Card Game System with Auxiliary Games

ABSTRACT

A system and method for creating a bonus system to reward casino card game players and to further generate and monitor wager and bonus based auxiliary card games, played simultaneously with a primary card game, whereas winning wager based auxiliary game players are paid in gaming chips, cash or prizes; and primary game players, who qualify to play a bonus based auxiliary game by means of a player tracking card who receive winning bonus based game hands are paid slot machine credits issued at the game table by means of a TITO ticket that can be redeemed only by the player playing designated slot machines operated by or associated with the host casino to assist a casino in cross marketing casino table games and slot machines.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/738,726 entitled CARD GAME SYSTEM WITH AUXILIARY GAMES, filed on Nov. 21, 2005, and the specification and claims thereof are incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT AUTHORIZATION

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document and of the related application 60/738,726 entitled CARD GAME SYSTEM WITH AUXILIARY GAMES, filed on Nov. 21, 2005, listed above contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a system and method for playing an auxiliary (secondary) game in addition to a primary table card game, a system for playing the same and a computer system and method for monitoring the play of the primary and secondary card games and/or automated bonusing of the auxiliary games.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In general, casino card games are either dealt from a deck of cards carried in the dealer's hand, known in the trade as a “hand deck”, which is typically comprised of one (1) or two (2) standard decks of playing cards, or the game may be dealt from a Card Dispensing Shoe, known in the trade as a “shoe”. A shoe typically carries four (4), six (6) or eight (8) standard decks of playing cards.

A standard deck of playing cards is comprised of fifty-two (52) cards consisting of four suits: Hearts, Clubs, Diamonds and Spades. Each suit is comprised of 13 cards including an Ace, three ranked cards (a King, a Queen, and a Jack) and one card each having a value of 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 or 2. The rank or value of the cards comprising a deck may vary according to the rules of the card game being played. The Ace is typically valued as one (1) or eleven (11) when playing the game of “21” or “Blackjack”. The King, Queen and Jack typically have a card game value of ten (10) when playing the game of Blackjack, and a card game value of zero (0) when playing the game of Baccarat. Card games like Poker are played with one (1) standard deck of playing cards. Blackjack games may be played with one (1) or more standard decks of playing cards. Baccarat is typically played with eight (8) decks of standard playing cards.

Card dispensing shoes for dealing or delivering cards to players of casino card games, i.e., “21” or Blackjack, Baccarat, Caribbean Stud, Let It Ride, Poker etc., are known in the art. The shoe is placed near a dealer's station on a card game table, and at least one standard deck of playing cards is inserted into an opening at the top of the shoe and positioned face down in a card chute that is slanted downward and forward toward the mouth of the shoe. A wedged device housing a heavy steel roller forces the deck down and forward positioning the deck flush against a retaining wall containing a card outlet at the front of the shoe. Only a portion of the back side of the top card of the deck is observable through the card outlet while the cards are in the shoe.

The dealer feeds cards for delivery to players at the table by manually engaging and forcing the top card of the deck out of the shoe through the card outlet which includes a slit extending fully across the base of the retaining wall. The dealer pulls the top card from the deck carried by the shoe, and it is delivered or dealt to a game player or game hand. A series of cards is thus delivered one-by-one to the players at the card game table until each player or game hand has the requisite number of cards for playing the game. The shoe remains in view of the dealer and game players. Absent cheating, neither dealer nor any player is aware of any of the cards values contained within the shoe prior to their removal from the shoe.

Increasingly, modern day casinos are using card game tables and card dispensing shoes coupled to a processing unit, coupled to one or more electronic devices, that monitor the play of the game and the game players, which is known as a Card Game and Player Rating System (CGPRS).

There are several different configurations of computerized prior art CG&PRS that use one or more scanning devices to identify information regarding card play and/or player activity and identity. The information of interest includes card value and/or the card rank and suit and the delivery sequence of at least one card delivered to at least one game, player or dealer hand prior to, during or after the removal and delivery of each card, one-by-one, from a game deck held in the dealer's hand or, one-by-one, from a deck contained in a card dispensing shoe. CG&PRS systems with scanners are being integrated into all types of card dispensing shoes including those that include batch shufflers. Other CG&PRS use scanners that are not carried by the shoe. The CG&PRS can be improved.

CG&PRS systems perform many tasks by means of a Central Processing unit (CPU) that is coupled to a (LAN) or (WAN), including the Internet, in addition to multiple other components. These components include various types of playing card and playing card deck(s) scanners, player tracking card readers, (PTCR), keyboards, manual input devices, automatic data input devices, imaging devices, displays, machine readable gaming chips, scanning devices to read machine readable gaming chips, gaming chips with embedded radio frequency identification devices, (RFID), transponders, RFID chip readers, light sensors, bet sensors, automatic bet recognition devices and supporting software modules.

Examples of the use of information manually or automatically input into the CG&PRS for storage in memory, retrieval and or display include at least one statistic related to the play of the game and/or at least one statistic related to the game player's game strategy (i.e., the identity of the game monitored, the number of the table at which the game is played, the number of seats available at the game table, the identity of the game dealer(s) and the game player(s), the number of hands and game rounds dealt by the dealer at the game table, the number of hands and game rounds played by each player during a play session, each players minimum, maximum and average bets, the card inventory of game deck, the card value, card rank, card suit and the delivery sequence of each card removed from the game deck and the identity of each card dealt to a game, player, or dealer hand, the value, score and outcome of each game hand dealt to a game, player, or dealer hand during the play of a game round, the win/loss of each of the game players, and each player's strategy proficiency, earning potential, complimentary equivalency, and etc.). All game and player information gathered by these systems is typically stored on the host casino's main processing unit; whereas information gathered on a player who is known to the casino who has played more than one session, is compiled creating an electronic “Year to Date File” that tracks and analyzes the players current, past and combined playing sessions at the host casino's game tables and ultimately determines the player's “true worth” to the casino. Immediately below are some U.S. patents which include one or more types of playing card scanners that may be used to monitor the play of casino card games and/or rate casino card game players. These patents are incorporated herein by reference.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,374,061 (Albrecht) describes a card dispensing shoe that houses a scanner to scan special decks of cards encoded with information identifying the value of each card as it is removed from the shoe and displaying a running count of the deck on a display housed in the back of the shoe.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,334 (McCrea, Jr.) describes a secure game table system, including a card scanning device for monitoring casino card games, that allows the game player(s) to make a side wager that will qualify the player to win a progressive jackpot comprised of an initial sum of money contributed by the game operator when the progressive jackpot is first initiated. The amount of the initial jackpot is increased until won by withholding a designated percentage of each side bet wagered by the game players to qualify to win the progressive jackpot. When the progressive jackpot is won, the amount of the jackpot is reset to the amount of the initial jackpot.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,893 (Hill et al.) describes a card dispensing shoe wherein the shoe houses a neural-network scanner which is trained to identify indicia imprinted on a standard playing card. During the play of a card game, the scanner scans each card carried by the shoe as the card passes over the scanner while it is being manually pushed from the shoe by the game dealer through a card outlet at the mouth of the shoe. The output of the system scanner and other information gathered by other apparatus housed by or coupled to the shoe is processed by a processing unit, associated with the shoe, to identify the card value and suit of each card removed from the deck of cards carried by the shoe, and to identify the game hand to which a game card is delivered, and records the outcome of the play of the game and other statistics specific to the players of the game.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,769 (Order) describes a system and apparatus for monitoring casino card games that includes a shoe housing a scanner to identify the cards dealt from the shoe, playing card and bet sensors positioned beneath the game table layout at each player position to identify where each card removed from the shoe has been delivered, and the presence of a wager at a player position for the current game round. Also included in the system are gaming chips containing an embedded RFID device that are read by a RFID reader positioned beneath the game table layout to identify the amounts wagered by each of the game players during the play of the game.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,217,447 (Lofink, et. al.) describes a method for removing a card from a shoe and then using a scanner external to the shoe and embedded in the game's table top to scan each of the cards prior to their delivery to a Player or Bankers hand during the play of the game of Baccarat.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,650 (Hill) describes a shoe apparatus, system and method wherein the shoe has a card scanner which scans the indicia on a playing card as it is removed from the shoe. This information is recorded by the system processing unit which uses this information and other information gathered by other apparatus coupled to the shoe, including game and player rating software modules, to monitor the play of the game, to evaluate the proficiency of the game players at one or more card game strategies and to calculate the true worth of the players.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,299,536 (Hill) describes a shoe apparatus, system and method wherein the shoe has a card scanner which scans the indicia on a playing card as it is removed from the shoe, prior to it's being burned or removed from play or it's delivery to a game hand, game player or game dealer. This information is recorded by the system processing unit which includes game and player rating software modules and software routines that use the scanner output and other information gathered by other apparatus coupled to the shoe to monitor the play of the game and to evaluate the proficiency of the game players at one or more card game strategies and to calculate the “true worth” of the players. This patent further describes a means by which a player uses a keyboard that is coupled to the system and embedded in the game table top to enter actions that comprise wagers on items related to the card game, including order and sequence of the cards and/or value and suit of the cards to be dealt to the players and a dealer during an upcoming game round to be dealt from the deck(s) carried by the housing.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,460,848 (Soltys, et. al.) describes a system that automatically monitors the play of casino card games. The system apparatus uses a scanner to read machine readable indicia placed on the edges of special cards comprising the game deck. The scanner scans all of the cards of the deck in one sweep and stores in memory the card value and order in which the cards are positioned in the game deck prior to the deck's removal from the shoe. The deck, if a hand deck, i.e., one or two decks, is placed in the dealer's hand and the cards are removed from the hand deck and delivered one-by-one to the game players. The deck, if not a hand deck, i.e., three or more decks, is placed in a shoe to be removed one-by-one by the game dealer and delivered to the game players during the play of the game.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,582,301 (Hill) describes a shoe that includes a scanner system, apparatus and method that discerns and displays on one or more remote displays coupled to the shoe a computer generated image of the card value and suit and delivery sequence of each card dispensed from the shoe, the game hand to which each card is delivered, and includes a mechanical barrier to prevent and/or identify the wrongful dispensing of a card to a game hand, game player or game dealer. The card game can be video broadcast along with an image of each scanned card and the resultant data broadcast over the internet to remotely located bettors who can place bets on the game in progress. Casinos are constantly searching for new and novel cost effective means to encourage gamblers to wager more at it's casino card games, and slot machines, and to bring new, and encourage existing, customers to visit or return to their casino. Casinos are also seeking innovative ideas and methods to increase their casino game table and slot machine revenues, preferably without the need to utilize additional floor space or employing additional employees.

In recent years, one means used by casinos to increase their casino game table revenues, without utilizing additional floor space or employing additional employees, has been to enhance some of their existing base or primary card games with auxiliary or secondary card games that are played simultaneously with the base card game. Typically, the player of the base game is required to make a side bet, in addition to the minimum bet required for the base game, to participate in the auxiliary card game.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,707,285 (Place) describes a method and apparatus for random prize selection in wagering games.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,146,270 (Huard) describes an auxiliary game with random prize generation.

The value of a CG&PRS system to a casino can be considerable, as is the cost of such systems. There is a need to improve these systems so that the value of the system to the casino is increased; and the casino's cost for the systems can be significantly reduced by enhancing these systems with the means to generate additional game revenues for game tables monitored by a computerized CG&PRS, operating on a Local Area Network, (LAN), or a Wide Area Network, (WAN) whereas the CG&PRS is coupled to one or more playing card scanners by wire or wireless means.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,620,046 (Rowe) describes a method and system for funding and awarding bonuses in a gaming environment. The system includes gaming machines associated with a player tracking host and a bonus system host. Each gaming machine has a player tracking device. In accordance with a method, a bonus is funded independently of specific wagers placed at the gaming machines. The bonus system host configures bonus event information which is presented via the player tracking devices of the gaming machines. In the event a player is a bonus event winner, bonus award information is transmitted to the player via the player tracking device. The bonus is awarded based on criteria independent of the outcome of a game played by the player at the gaming machine. The system and method provide for the award of bonuses independent of the configuration of the games the gaming machine presents, player wagers or game outcome.

Many principle or base casino card games currently offer auxiliary games that allow the game players to make an optional side bet in addition to the ante or minimum bet a player is required to wager to be eligible to participate in the principle or base game. The auxiliary game is played simultaneously with the base game. A game player having made a side bet to participate in an auxiliary game may win designated payouts payable to the auxiliary game player when his/her base game hand for the current game round is comprised of one or more cards that match specific card combinations designated as winning hands for the auxiliary game, i.e., a specific card value, card rank and suit, a pair, three of a kind, a straight, four of a kind, straight flush, royal flush, and etc.

The winning card combinations for the auxiliary game are typically listed in a schedule of payouts for one or more combination of cards dealt to a base hand during the play of the base game. The payout schedule is normally imprinted on the game table layout and/or posted on or in close proximity to the base game table in full view of the game players and the dealer, or the payout schedule may be printed in a brochure that includes the rules for the auxiliary game along with the payouts for winning card combinations, and the brochure is readily accessible to the game players. The game dealer is primarily responsible for securing and identifying winning and losing auxiliary game hands and determining the correct amount of any payouts. Large payouts are normally verified and approved by a game supervisor.

Bet The Set “21” is an example of an auxiliary game played in concert with the game of Blackjack or “21”, the principle or base game. Prior to the commencement of a game round, if the player thinks he/she will be dealt a pair, he/she places a bet in a Pair Square imprinted on the game table layout adjacent to the betting area provided for the “21” game wager. If the first two cards dealt to the player for the current game round are a pair of cards having the same value, i.e., Q, Q, 7, 7 etc., the player wins. A pair pays 10 to 1 and a pair of the same suit pays 15 to 1. All “Bet the Set 21” bets are settled by the game dealer after the other bets for the base “21” game are settled according to the game rules set by the host casino.

Typically, auxiliary card games are not monitored by a game table monitoring system that automatically identifies seats occupied by players, participating in an auxiliary game round. The winning hands are not automatically verified by an electronic monitoring system. The amounts payable to winning auxiliary game players are not automatically calculated by the monitoring system. There is room for improvement.

Some base card games, i.e., Caribbean Stud and Let It Ride, utilize electronic bet sensors embedded in the game table top with at least one bet-sensor for each player seat or position to record the placement of a “side bet” for the auxiliary game to be played simultaneously with the principle or base game offered at the game table. (Typically the amount of the “side bet” is fixed; i.e., $1.00.) Prior to the delivery of the game cards for an upcoming game round, any player wishing to make a “side bet” will place his/her “side bet” over the bet-sensor, and the dealer will press a keypad coupled to the bet-sensors, that will illuminate the bet-sensors for all seats having made a “side bet” for the upcoming game round. The dealer will pick up the “side bets” and place them in the chip rack. The illuminated bet-sensors will remain illuminated during the play of the current game round identifying those seats from which a side bet for the auxiliary game has been collected by the game dealer prior to the commencement of the current game round.

During the settlement of each game round, the dealer will complete the settlement of all bets related to the base game and then proceed to the settlement of all bets related to the auxiliary game. All seats having an illuminated bet-sensor, the dealer will verify that the player placed a “side bet” for the current game round for all bets related to the auxiliary game and settle, according to a payout schedule usually imprinted on the game table top layout. The auxiliary game provides the house with a long-term advantage over the players thereby generating additional game table revenues and profits for the house without increasing the costs for additional floor space or employees.

Currently, no base casino card game is known that offers the base game players the opportunity to participate in a auxiliary card game, played simultaneously with the base game during the play of a base game round, unless the player makes a side bet in addition to the minimum bet he/she is required to make to play the base game. Further, no prior art base casino card game is known that provides base card game players the opportunity to participate in more than one auxiliary card game, played simultaneously with the base game during the play of the base game round. Further still, no known base casino card game is know that offers the base game player(s) the opportunity to participate in at least one free Bonus Based Auxiliary Card Game, (BBACG), and/or at least one Wager Based Auxiliary Card Game, (WBACG), where one or more auxiliary card games are played simultaneously with the base game during the play of a base game round.

Bonus systems for slot machines are known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 5,876,284 (Acres) describes “A system for monitoring and configuring gaming devices interconnected over a high-speed network. Each gaming device includes a data communication node which allows the gaming device to communicate with a floor controller over a current loop network. The data communication network communicates with both the floor controller and the gaming device. In a multiple jackpot time bonus, the system activates a storm simulator which provides simulated lightning and thunder that vary in intensity with the value of a jackpot multiplier during a bonus period. The bonus jackpots are paid to players at the gaming device.

Typically, most casinos reward their slot machine player's “Bonus Points” based on the total amount of cash, coin-in, the player puts into a machine during individual and cumulative playing sessions at the casinos slot machines. (i.e., a player having wagered $100.00 may be awarded 100 bonus points valued at $0.01 cent per point). The coin-in is automatically tracked by an electronic player rating system for slot machine players, and the bonus points are automatically calculated by the system and stored on the host casino's processing unit and/or a PTC card, issued to the customer by the host casino. The customer, when engaged in the play of a slot machine coupled to the system, inserts his/her PTC card into a player tracking card reader (PTCR) housed by the slot machine, and any bonus points earned by the customer are transferred to the customers file stored on the host casino's central computer and the customer's PTC card. The customer may redeem these bonus points at his/her leisure for cash, prizes, room, food, beverage or other things of value at one or more designated redemption stations located within the host casino.

Ticket-in-ticket-out printers, “TITO Printers” and “Bill Acceptors” are known in the art to be associated with casino slot machines. “Bill Acceptors” are not known in the art to be associated with casino table games.

Most of the world's major casinos are currently switching from coin operated slot machines to coin-less slot machines. Coin-less slot machines do not accept coins, instead the slot machine players purchases credits to be played on the slot machine by placing currency into a “Bill Acceptor”, a.k.a. a “Currency Validator”, housed by the slot machine. The “Bill Acceptor”, coupled to the printer, reads and validates the denomination of the inserted bill and subsequently displays, on a display carried by the slot machine, the appropriate amount of credits (the designated value of the credits for each machine may vary, i.e., $0.25, $0.50, $1.00 and etc.), equal to the value of the currency.

During the play of the slot machine, the number of credits displayed will decrease each time the customer pulls the slot handle, and increase when the slot machine displays a winning combination of symbols. In the event the player terminates his/her play at the slot machine, and slot machine credits remain on the machine, the player will press the “Cash Out” button, embedded in the housing of the slot machine, and the machine will respond by activating a TITO printer, carried by the slot machine, that will printout a TITO ticket imprinted with the value of the slot machine credits cashed out and other information relative to the slot machine. The TITO ticket may be cashed out, for cash by the customer at one or more designated slot machine booths, casino cage cashiers, or electronic stations (similar to an ATM machine), equipped with a TITO ticket reader; or the player may insert the TITO ticket into a “Bill Acceptor” carried by another slot machine operated by the host casino. There is room for improvement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

One aspect of one embodiment of the present invention provides at least one (1) Bonus Based Auxiliary Card Game (BBACG) and/or at least one Wager Based Auxiliary Card Game (WBACG) (referred to herein as a secondary card game), which can be played individually, jointly, and simultaneously, with a base or primary casino card game during the play of a primary card game round.

Another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention provides a unique bonusing system that automatically awards bonuses to casino card game players.

Another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention provides a bonusing system for the casino's card table game players that will encourage card game players who do not have a Player Tracking Card (PTC) issued to the player by the host casino, to fill out a PTC Application to obtain one, and thereby provide the host casino with valuable personal information about the PTC applicant.

Another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention encourages a customer logging into a primary card game with a PTC card, wherein the primary card game is played at a system and method of the present invention able to collect, transfer and store valuable game and player rating information, specific to the customer presenting the PTC in the customer's file (for example electronic file).

Another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention is to add excitement to the play of the primary game and to provide a means for the host casino to cross market its table games and slot machines, whereas a bonus secondary game player winning slot machine credits at a card game table can only redeem those credits by playing the slot machine credits won at the card game table on one or more slot machines specified by the host casino or game table operator.

Another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a means for casino card game players to acquire gaming chips at a card game table by means of a “Bill Acceptor” and a means for the players to cash gaming chips out at a card game table my means of a TITO printer.

Another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a combination segmented housing and color coded display to track the status of one or more secondary games, played simultaneously with the primary card game.

Another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention provides a means for automatically determining the outcome of secondary games.

Another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a TITO ticket that is restricted to play on a casino designated slot machine and having no cash out value.

Another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention provides for a computer system and instructions for automatically authenticating a winning player's hand in a secondary game and automatically calculating the payout.

Another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention provides that winning 1^(st) BBACG game players will be awarded slot machine credits by means of a TITO ticket, printer coupled to a system of the present invention, whereas preferably, the slot machine credits are playable only on designated slot machines owned by, or licensed to, the host casino, or a casino associated with the host casino.

Another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention provides slot machine credits awarded to winning 1^(st) BBACG players will be limited for play on one or more progressive slot machines, owned by, or licensed to, the host casino, or a casino associated with the host casino which may be coupled to a LAN or WAN which may include the Internet, whereas the play of the slot machine and the collection and disbursement of the progressive slot machines jackpot(s) are monitored by the networks controller.

Another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention provides that a card game table monitored by a CG&PRS is in communication with a “Bill Acceptor” and/or a TITO printer. For example, a player in possession of a large number of gaming chips who terminates his/her playing session at a card game table by surrendering the gaming chips to the game dealer in exchange for a TITO ticket will enhance the host casino's ability to monitor the play of the customer, reduce the number of fills the casino will have to make to replace chips removed from the game table, and provide the casino with additional means to track the players play at other game tables and slot machines. Further, the departing player can easily transport and secure the subject TITO ticket, and when the player has logged into the game by means of a PTC his/her name will be imprinted on the TITO ticket preventing the ticket from being exchanged for cash or chips if the ticket is lost or stolen by anyone other than the customer to which the ticket was issued.

Another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention provides a system comprising a card scanner and software that enables the system to identify at least the card value, and/or card value and suit of each of the cards removed from the deck, wherein the inventory of a complete or depleted card game deck, prior to the commencement of each card game round, is known by the processing unit. During the play of the card game, the card scanner and supporting software may further identify the card value and/or card value and suit and the delivery sequence of at least one card removed from the deck and delivered to at least one game, player or dealer hand, (prior to or after the removal and/or delivery of each card from a game deck held in the dealer's hand, or a deck contained in a card dispensing shoe), engaged in the play of the game as the game progresses. This information may be stored in memory of a system having a processing unit, and being used in authenticating a game hand dealt and/or identifying a winner of a secondary game hand.

Another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention improves existing CG&PRS systems, by providing one or more Random-Number-Generator (RNG) software programs. Another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention to a system of the present invention, provides at least one display positioned at, or adjacent to a card game table being monitored by a CG&PRS that is in full view of the game players, or embedded in the game table top, or remotely located from the game table.

Another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention provides a method for automatically monitoring, authenticating and calculating one or more secondary card game, winners and payout wherein the secondary card game can be played in concert with the principle or base game.

Another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention provides that a game player make a side bet or wager in addition to the base game's required minimum bet to participate in one or more fee or WBACG rounds, thereby generating additional game table revenues for the casino operator.

Another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention provides that the casino creates one or more free BBACG specific to casino card game players by allowing all players engaged in the play of the base card game who have logged into the game by means of a Player Tracking Card (PTC) issued to the game player by the host casino or a casino associated with the host casino to participate in one or more designated BBACG rounds free of charge.

Another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention provides that the casino operator, without limitation, may also choose to let all players known or unknown to the casino, (i.e., no PTC card required) who have made the minimum bet required to play the base game and participate in designated game rounds for one or more BBACG games played at the base game table.

Another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention provides a method that will automatically calculate the payouts for winning secondary game hands, thereby eliminating the necessity for the game dealer and/or supervisor to calculate such payout, thereby improving the accuracy of payouts for winning secondary game hands and speed up the play of the game.

Another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention provides that the host casino operator, at it's sole discretion, may determine the amount, value or type of pay outs to be awarded to winning BBACG & WBACG players. Such pay outs may include, without limitation, cash, slot machine credits, lodging, food, beverages or anything of value designated by the game table operator. Preferably, players who have qualified to participate in a 1^(st) BBACG, by logging into the base casino card game by means of a PTC card issued to the game player(s) by the host casino, or a casino associated with the host casino, who have received one or more winning secondary game cards during the play of a game round, will be awarded slot machine credits playable on one or more virtual, real or video slot machines located within the host casino or a casino associated with the host casino.

One aspect of the present invention provides that existing TITO printers currently carried by casino slot machines, can be programmed to immediately print out a bonus TITO ticket awarding a special prize to a select slot player, preferably slot machine players who are using a PTC card issued by the host casino, and/or an associated casino, when playing a slot machine. Special prizes awarded to slot machine players by means of a bonus TITO ticket would automatically occur when the slot machine player achieved one or more criteria arbitrarily determined by the host casino. Such criteria could include the player's birthday, anniversary, specific holidays, special events, coin-in, coin-out, time played, but is not limited thereto. The value of any bonuses awarded to slot machine players by means of a bonus TITO ticket would also be arbitrarily determined by the host casino.

Another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention provides improvements in card dealing that are coupled to at least one card scanning device that is capable of determining the real time inventory of one or more complete or depleted decks of playing cards used in the play of a card game when the cards are dealt one by one by a game dealer to a game, player, or dealer hand from the top of a deck of cards that is either held in the game dealers hand, a “hand deck”, or one or more decks carried by a card dispensing “shoe”. The card or scanner and associated software identifies and records the card value and/or card rank and card suit of each of the cards comprising the game deck, (complete or depleted), prior to the commencement of each card game round and the sequence in which each card removed from the deck is burned, removed from play, or delivered to a game, player or dealer hand and the outcome of each game hand played during each game round.

Another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention provides that one or more RNG software programs are merged into the system and method to provide instructions for generating virtual cards projected to be delivered to a primary hand. The virtual cards projected may be selected from a complete deck or deflected deck. A card scanner monitors the actual cards delivered to the primary hand. A processing unit in communication with a RNG and scanner, compares cards delivered to those projected to be delivered, and authenticates the hand for a winning player. The player may win a WBACG when, in addition to the minimum wager he/she is required to make to participate in the primary game, makes a side bet specific to the WBACG.

One or more RNG programs are merged into a system having a card scanner, processing unit and instructions for monitoring projections of cards predicted to be delivered to a primary card game. At the option of the casino operator, a primary game player can participate in one or more BBACG rounds played simultaneously with the primary game offered at the game table when a primary game player, in addition to the minimum wager he/she is required to make to participate in the primary game, has logged into a primary game by means of a PTC card issued to the casino customer by the host casino or a casino or game table operator that is affiliated with the host casino.

Another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention provides that once the primary player has logged into the primary game by means of the PTC card, he/she will automatically qualify to participate in one or more upcoming BBACG (for example a 1^(st) BBACG, a 2^(nd) BBACG and a 3^(rd) BBACG), while engaged in the play of the primary card game.

Another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention provides that in a WBACG or a BBACG round, the cards projected to be delivered to a primary card game hand are the same or different for the WBACG and BBACG hands.

Still another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention provides a casino, during real time, the means to automatically monitor the play of one or more WBACG, (i.e., “RANDOM MATCH 21”), rounds including the identity of one or more player positions or game table seats occupied by game players actively engaged in the play of the game who have achieved at least one pre-determined criteria, prerequisite to participating in the play of the principle or base game and/or at least one additional pre-determined criteria, prerequisite to participating in the play of one or more auxiliary card games during an upcoming game round, the individual and total amount of any side bets made by players of the auxiliary game, winning and losing auxiliary game hands, and the automatic calculation and display of any payouts or awards, which may include cash, lodging, food, beverages, prizes or anything of value, payable to auxiliary game players having received winning auxiliary game hands during the play of a WBACG or BBACG round.

Yet another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention provides a casino with one or more free BBACG, (i.e., “BONUS RANDOM MATCH 21”), that can be utilized, without limitation, to provide a casino with a unique bonus system to reward card game players engaged in the play of a primary card game, augmented by one or more 1^(st) BBACG operated by the host casino, who have logged into a base game monitored by the system of the present invention by means of a PTC card issued to the casino customer by the host casino or a casino or game table operator that is affiliated with the host casino. The 1^(st) BBACG may be automatically monitored by the card delivery system and method of one embodiment of the present invention. A further aspect of one embodiment of the present invention provides a card table game bonusing system having a unique bonus system for awarding at least one award to player's of a 2^(nd) BBACG and/or a 3^(rd) BBACG, which may include cash, lodging, food, beverages, prizes, or anything of value when the player has made the minimum bet required to participate in the primary or base game. The 2^(nd) BBACG and/or 3^(rd) BBACG are automatically monitored by the card delivery apparatus, system and method of the enhanced CG&PRS of the current invention.

Another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention provides that bonus payouts payable to winning 1^(st) BBACG players in the form of slot machine credits can be played on a virtual, real or video slot machine that is in communication with the present invention by means of a network, including but not limited to the Internet.

Yet another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention provides a virtual or video progressive slot machine embedded in the primary game table top where the secondary game is played. The virtual or video progressive slot machine embedded in the game table top is coupled to one or more virtual, real or video progressive slot machine(s), remote to the game table, owned by or licensed to the host casino whereas the remote virtual, real or video slot machine(s) are in communication with a network configured to monitor progressive jackpot slot machines.

Still another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention provides a casino, at its discretion, to periodically award at least one bonus award to one or more casino card game players actively engaged in the play of a primary card game, at one or more card game tables monitored by the system of the present invention, offering a 2^(nd) BBACG and/or a 3^(rd) BBACG.

Other aspects and advantages of the current invention will become apparent as the following specifications are disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings to illustrate the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a typical prior art game table.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an intelligent game table according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a close up top view of a segmented housing according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top view of an intelligent game table top according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a close up top view of an intelligent game table top identifying elements of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top view of an intelligent Baccarat game table top identifying elements of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a top view of an intelligent card dispensing shoe according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a LCD monitor with an exemplary configuration of a Payout Schedule screen generated for use with a WBACG according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a LCD monitor with an exemplary configuration of a 1st Game Round Results screen generated for use with a WBACG according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a front view of a LCD monitor with an exemplary configuration of a 2nd Game Round Results screen generated for use with a WBACG according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a LCD monitor with an exemplary configuration of a 3rd Game Round Results screen generated for use with a WBACG according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a LCD monitor with an exemplary configuration of a 4th Game Round Results screen generated for use with a WBACG according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a LCD monitor with an exemplary configuration of a Payout Schedule screen generated for use with a BBACG and a WBACG according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a LCD monitor with an exemplary configuration of a 1st Game Round Results screen generated for use with a BBACG and a WBACG according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a front view of a LCD monitor with an exemplary configuration of a 2nd Game Round Results screen generated for use with a BBACG and a WBACG according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a front view of a LCD monitor with an exemplary configuration of a 3rd Game Round Results screen generated for use with a BBACG and a WBACG according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a front view of a LCD monitor with an exemplary configuration of a 4th Game Round Results screen generated for use with a BBACG and a WBACG according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a front view of a LCD monitor with an exemplary configuration of a Payout screen for a second BBACG according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a front view of a LCD monitor with an exemplary configuration of a Payout screen for a 3rd BBACG according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a top view of tertiary game positioned in the play area of an intelligent game table top according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a tertiary game positioned in the play area of an intelligent game table top according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is an illustration of a method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is an illustration of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein “a” means one or more.

As used herein RNG means an algorithm that selects cards that are members of a complete deck, cards remaining in a depleted deck and may select a seat at a card game table or an entire table in a casino to play a secondary game.

As used herein a “player hand” represents the cards delivered to a active game table seat, occupied by a player who has placed a wager that the received “player hand” will beat the “dealer's hand”, (i.e., the game of Blackjack), or the received “player hand” will beat another “player hand”, (i.e., the game of Poker), delivered to one or more active seat(s) at the game table, occupied by another player(s), engaged in the play of the game. As used herein, “game hand” represents the cards delivered as the PLAYERS HAND or the BANKERS HAND during a Baccarat game round. The PLAYERS HAND and the BANKERS HAND are common to all players seated at an active Baccarat game table seat. During the play of a Baccarat game round all of the players engaged in the play of the game may wager on either the PLAYERS HAND or the BANKERS HAND.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of bonusing a player of a primary card game. The method can be automatic or manual. The method includes at least one secondary game played simultaneously with a primary game by customers engaged in the play of the primary casino card game. The primary and secondary game is monitored by a system having a card dealing apparatus in communication with a scanner. The card dealing apparatus is in communication with a processing unit which monitors activity at the table, including but not limited to cards delivered and to whom, active seats and the tables bankroll.

Prior to the commencement of each game round, the scanner provides the processing unit with the identity of the real time inventory of the game deck(s), which can be a complete or depleted deck(s), from which the cards for the upcoming game round will be dealt. The inventory may include the total number of cards contained in the deck's inventory, card value and/or card rank and suit of each of the cards comprising the game deck, and a real time breakdown of the number of cards in the deck that have the same card value and/or card value and suit. The scanning means, during the play of each game round, may further identify at least one statistic relative to the play of the game and/or the game player.

The statistic may be the card value and/or card value and suit and the sequence in which each card is removed from the game deck to be burned, removed from play, or delivered to a hand, (for example, the game, player or dealer hand) during the play of the game, the identity of the specific game, game table, seat, player or dealer position to which a game card has been delivered. The system compares one or more game cards delivered to a hand during the play of a game round with the cards projected by the RNG.

The RNG generates one or more virtual cards projected to be delivered to a primary game hand prior to the commencement of each game round, based on the contents of the game deck's card inventory. For example the RNG may generate at least two cards, in sequence a 1^(st) card and a 2^(nd) card, from the game cards known to comprise the game deck's current inventory. The RNG will generate a card selection for each active seat if playing a type of poker for example or a player hand and a dealer hand if playing Baccarat for example. The RNG will not project any cards for delivery to any active seat when the occupying player has not qualified to participate in one or more secondary auxiliary games, such as WBACG or BBACG, during the upcoming game round. The cards projected for a WBACG played simultaneously with a BBACG can be the same or different.

One or more displays coupled to one embodiment of the present invention will display a graphic image of any card projected by the RNG for delivery to a qualified primary game hand. The graphic image of the projected cards will identify the card value and/or card rank, card suit and the sequence in which the RNG projected the selected cards will be delivered when more than one card is delivered to a primary game hand during the upcoming game round. For example, the 1^(st) card selected for delivery to a primary game hand will be displayed 1^(st), and the 2^(nd) card selected for delivery to a primary game hand will be displayed 2^(nd)). The one or more cards projected by the RNG for delivery to a primary game hand are designated as the winning hand for the 1^(st) BBACG, in which winning 1^(st) BBACG round players preferably are awarded slot machine credits; and/or the winning hand for the WBACG, in which winning WBACG round players preferably are awarded gaming chips.

During a card game played with a system according to one embodiment of the present invention, a 1^(st) BBACG is offered. It is possible that more than one game player seated at an active game table seat has qualified to participate in a 1^(st) BBACG game round. At the option of the game table operator, the system RNG may be programmed to randomly select, designate and/or allow only one player logged into the game table by means of a PTC issued by the host casino, or a casino associated with the host casino, to participate in the upcoming 1^(st) BBACG round.

During a card game played with a system and method according to one embodiment of the present invention, a 2^(nd) BBACG and/or a 3^(rd) BBACG is offered by the host casino. The 2^(nd) BBACG and the 3^(rd) BBACG may be, for example, hand of the hour, or hand of the day, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the system is in communication with at least two card game tables by means of a network. A processing unit having software instruction for a RNG selects, designates, and/or allows the players at one game table that is coupled to the system to participate in a 2^(nd) BBACG and/or a 3^(rd) BBACG rounds commencing at the selected card game table during a designated time period. For example, a new table is selected by the RNG every sixty (60) minutes, when at the option of the game table operator one or more of the game players has qualified to participate in a 2^(nd) BBACG or 3^(rd) BBACG game round. This can occur since the winning cards are designated by management for the 2^(nd) BBACG and 3^(rd) BBACG games. The cards are selected from a complete deck when the game deck is known to be comprised of at least one or more complete decks. During each designated time period that a 2^(nd) BBACG and/or a 3^(rd) BBACG is being played, only one card selection is projected for delivery to a primary card game hand. Therefore, the composition of the deck prior to the commencement of the upcoming game round is not relevant as new winning cards are projected by the RNG from the card inventory of a complete or depleted deck prior to the commencement of each secondary game round for delivery to each game player who has qualified to participate in the upcoming 1^(st) BBACG round.

The system and method according to another embodiment of the present invention offers a 2^(nd) BBACG, (for example a “BONUS BLACK JACK (BJ) of THE HOUR”, and a 3^(rd) BBACG, (for example “BONUS HAND OF THE DAY”), which are also played simultaneously with the primary game and other secondary games offered at the primary game table.

Preferably, the game hands for the 2^(nd) BBACG and the 3^(rd) BBACG rounds are pre-determined by management selecting one or more cards known to be contained in the inventory of a complete game deck used to play the primary card game, for example, at least two cards are selected from a Caribbean Stud deck. Management will designate the card value and/or card rank, card suit, and the sequence in which the cards comprising a designated game hand will be delivered to a game, player or dealer hand participating in a 2^(nd) BBACG and/or a 3^(rd) BBACG round. The game cards designated as a 2^(nd) BBACG hand, or a 3^(rd) BBACG hand are electronically stored within the system and subsequently, at a predetermined date, time or hour, system software will automatically, by visual or audible means, alert the game players to the commencement of a new time, and the display of a new game hand, on one or more monitors coupled to the system for the appropriate 2^(nd) BBACG and/or a 3^(rd) BBACG hands.

Preferably, a designated 2^(nd) BBACG hand or subsequent BBACG game hand will be common to all participating 2^(nd) BBACG and subsequent BBACG players, but this is not required as the game hand may be unique for each player playing at one or more game tables coupled to the system of the present invention.

Preferably, a participating game player can win a 2^(nd) BBACG round or a 3^(rd) BBACG round during the play of a primary game round when one or more cards are dealt to a primary hand, and one of the first two cards dealt to his/her primary game hand are identical to the card value and/or card rank, suit and delivery sequence of the 2^(nd) BBACG hand, or a 3^(rd) BBACG hand designated for the current game round. If the first and second cards dealt to the primary hand match the card value and/or card rank, suit and delivery sequence of the cards of the 2^(nd) BBACG and 3^(rd) BBACG designated for the current game round the player wins a bonus.

In the event the primary game played is Baccarat, the system RNG prior to the commencement of a game round may randomly select and designate only one active seat as eligible to win a 1^(st) BBACG round and/or a 2^(nd) BBACG round and/or a 3^(rd) BBACG round since the PLAYERS HAND and the BANKERS HAND are common to all Baccarat players. The cards designated for the 2^(nd) BBACG hand, or a 3^(rd) BBACG hand during the play of a Baccarat game round will only apply to the game hand, the PLAYERS HAND or the BANKERS HAND, for which the game player has placed the primary game wager.

When a winning 2^(nd) BBACG hand has been dealt to a qualified 2^(nd) BBACG player, and the player has been paid, preferably by means of the system TITO printer, the current 2^(nd) BBACG will be terminated. Subsequently, at the top of the next hour a new 2^(nd) BBACG set of cards will be displayed as the “BOUS BJ of THE HOUR”.

When a winning 3^(rd) BBACG hand has been dealt to a qualified 3^(rd) BBACG player and the player has been paid, preferably by means of the system TITO printer, the current 3^(rd) BBACG will be terminated. Subsequently, at the top of the hour designated for a new twenty-four hour day to begin, a new set of cards will be displayed as the “BONUS HAND of THE DAY”.

In a preferred embodiment, a card scanner will automatically identify the seat(s) receiving winning 2^(nd) BBACG and/or winning 3^(rd) BBACG hands. Preferably, the game player and dealer will be alerted by means of one or more audible and/or visual alerts. The system TITO printer will automatically print out a TITO ticket identifying the winning player's seat number, the amount and/or the description of the prize won and instructions as to how the customer may collect the actual award. Either the game dealer(s) will present the ticket to the winning player, or the ticket will print out of the player's seat.

The card scanner is provided to identify one or more cards actually delivered to a game, player or dealer hand during a game round, including the card value and/or card rank and suit and the actual sequence in which each card is delivered to a game, player or dealer hand during the current game round. A system and method of one embodiment of the present invention will automatically compare the game cards projected for delivery with a player position to those cards actually delivered to a game hand or game player, and identify the game table seat/position occupied by secondary game player(s) having received one or more winning secondary game cards during the current game round.

In a further preferred embodiment and method of the present invention, a system will automatically identify the amount of any secondary game wagers and calculate and/or display any awards or payouts payable to one or more secondary game hand winners.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a card game system having a table for playing a primary card game, including a bet location for each player position. The primary card game may be Baccarat, poker, or BJ for example. A plurality of cards are dealt to each player from a shoe having a card scanner in communication therewith or attached thereto for scanning cards dealt to each player. A processing unit is in communication with the scanner and configured to determine the cards dealt to each player and to store data related to the cards into a memory.

In a preferred embodiment, a monitor is associated with a secondary game (for example BBACG or WGACG) and is configured to display one or more cards for example at least two cards, a set for each seat qualified that are selected from the game deck by the RNG or the house to be delivered to the primary card game hand from the game deck. A real time inventory is provided to the processing unit as the cards are scanned by the card scanner. The cards selected by the RNG can be the same, different or random for each seat qualified. The game deck from with the selection of cards is made by the RNG or the house may be a deck that is either complete or depleted. When a qualified player or game hand is dealt one or more of the cards projected by the RNG for the current game round, the player wins a payout designated for the winning card(s) delivered to a secondary game hand.

In an alternate embodiment, the RNG will be programmed to randomly select only one active seat at a game table to receive two cards projected by the RNG to be delivered to the selected seat's primary game hand during the play of an upcoming secondary game (for example 1^(st) BBACG game round). Preferably, each player position includes a player station in communication with the processing unit and/or a PC configured to provide the display for the cards associated with the secondary game wherein each player station includes a display and/or keyboard configured for playing the secondary game.

In a preferred embodiment, a ticket scanner is in communication with a processing unit and configured to read a ticket, for example, a TITO ticket, and store data related to the ticket into memory.

In a more preferred embodiment, a ticket scanner is in communication with the processing unit and configured to read a ticket printed by a printer coupled to a slot machine and/or a printer coupled to a card game table.

In a more preferred embodiment, a PTC reader, for example, a magnetic stripe reader or a RFID reader, is in communication with the processing unit. A player with a PTC is entitled to play at least one secondary game without making a wager once the PTC is authenticated. Alternatively, a player is entitled to play at least one secondary game once the player has achieved a predetermined level of activity in the primary game or at the discretion of the casino.

In a preferred embodiment, the processing unit is configured with a RNG that, prior to the commencement of a game round in which one or more players have qualified to participate in at least one secondary game, selects from the real time inventory of the cards comprising the game deck, one or more virtual cards projected to be delivered to a primary card game hand. For example, at least two cards which are the same set or a different set or a combination thereof for each seat qualified to participate in the upcoming 1^(st) BBACG and/or WBACG round, and displays, on one or more monitors, or displays coupled to the system of the present invention for an individual player and or the table to see. An image (for example computer generated) of the cards the RNG is projected for delivery to a player position or game hand.

Alternatively, in another embodiment, the processing unit is configured with software for a RNG that prior to the commencement of a secondary game (for example a 1^(st) BBACG round), the RNG randomly selects and/or designates one seat, from those active seats eligible to participate in the upcoming 1^(st) BBACG round. The game table number and seat number of the designated active 1^(st) BBACG seat and the cards projected by the RNG for delivery to the selected active seat are displayed on one or more monitors coupled to the system.

Additionally, the processing unit may also receive information regarding any of a primary game and/or secondary game. Further, the processing unit may be in communication with a printer to print a TITO ticket, for example, representing a win of the secondary game.

A tertiary game may be associated with the system offering a secondary game such as a 1^(st) BBACG and can be configured to accept and read the TITO ticket issued for a secondary game for play. For example, the tertiary game is a slot game, a table game, or a combination thereof.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a card game system having a processing unit configured to receive information regarding the secondary game, wherein a player position includes a player station in communication with the processing unit and configured to provide the display associated with the secondary game to the player.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a card game system having a processing unit configured to receive information regarding a secondary game, wherein a player position includes a player station with a virtual or video slot machine in communication with a processing unit and the virtual or video slot machine is coupled to a network configured to monitor progressive jackpot slot machines interconnected over a high-speed computer network. The network can be wired or wireless. The player station includes a display and keyboard configured for playing the secondary game and/or the virtual or video slot machine. When a player wins at the secondary game, the player station is configured to offer the player a tertiary game, (i.e., the virtual or video slot machine), for play.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a system and a method for playing a card game that includes a “Bill Acceptor” (for example, TITO ticket reader or currency reader) and a TITO printer attached to a game table or positioned in close proximity to the game dealer. The “Bill Acceptor” and TITO printer are in communication with a processing unit. Typically, when a card game player having a large number of chips leaves the game, he/she may present the gaming chips to a game table dealer to be exchanged for chips of a larger denomination. Preferably, when a card game player having a large number of chips leaves the game, he/she may present the gaming chips to a game table dealer to be exchanged for a TITO ticket imprinted with the value of the chips cashed in or presented for exchange. The dealer will verify the amount of the chips to be cashed in and enter the information into the system, for example by means of a keyboard attached to the system. If the player has not used their PTC, the duration of play may also be recorded. The system printer may print a TITO ticket, which the game dealer may present to the departing player, imprinted with the value of the chips cashed out and other relevant game and player information.

A player in possession of the TITO ticket may, at his/her convenience, exchange it for gaming chips at any game table, monitored by one embodiment of the system and method of the present invention. The game dealer will insert the ticket into the game tables “Bill Acceptor” programmed to read the TITO ticket. The system will provide, on one or more displays coupled to the system, the dollar value of the TITO ticket, which the game dealer will give to the presenting player in gaming chips. Preferably, TITO tickets issued at a game table can be redeemed for cash, and read by “Bill Acceptors” carried by slot machines. Further, TITO tickets issued at a slot machine that can be redeemed for cash, can be read by “Bill Acceptors” at a game table monitored by the system of one embodiment of the present invention.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a table for playing a primary card game, including a bet location for each player position, communication with a processing unit, a plurality of cards for dealing to each player, a card scanner for scanning cards dealt to each player, a processing unit in communication with the scanner and configured to determine the cards dealt to each player, and the outcome of each game round, a memory to store data related to the cards, a monitor configured to display one or more cards that are selected by House or RNG projected to be dealt to a player in the next round by a RNG, or wherein the cards projected to be dealt are selected from the real time inventory of the cards comprising the game deck(s) prior to the commencement of the upcoming game round. If the player is dealt at least one of the two cards projected (when there are two cards projected) by the RNG, the player wins a secondary game payout.

In a preferred embodiment, the one or more cards associated with the secondary game are selected and programmed into the system as a 2^(nd) BBACG or a 3^(rd) BBACG hand, prior to the commencement of the upcoming game round. The cards are delivered to one or more game players in a dedicated sequence during the play of the upcoming game round, such that if the player is dealt at least one of the one or more cards predetermined my management, the player wins the secondary game. The BBACG hand determined by management can be unique to each player, the same for each player, randomly generated or the same for a defined duration. The duration can be measured by the hand, by the hour, by the day or entirely at management's discretion.

In a preferred embodiment, a memory stores data related to the cards in inventory and dealt, the players, active seats, payouts and a display associated with a secondary game configured to display at least one or more cards known to be contained in the inventory of a complete game deck used to play the primary card game. The pre-selected cards, for example a first and second card, have been previously selected, designated and preprogrammed by management into system software associated with the secondary game, as a 2^(nd) BBACG hand, or a 3^(rd) BBACG hand, prior to the commencement of the upcoming game round, for delivery to one or more game players in a dedicated sequence during the play of the upcoming game round, such that if the player is dealt the two cards in the sequence predetermined by management, the player wins the secondary game.

Players of a 1^(st) BBACG round who have achieved designated winning hands may, without limitation, preferably be awarded slot machine credits at the base card game table by means of a TITO printer, coupled to the system of the present invention that will print a TITO ticket imprinted with indicia identifying the value of the slot machine credits won and how the slot machine credits may be utilized. Preferably, the TITO ticket cannot be redeemed for cash or other things of value but must be played on one or more designated slot machines, located within the host casino or at a sister casino associated with the host casino, coupled to the casino table game(s) bonus system by means of a processing unit or network as described according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Any slot machine credits won playing the 1^(st) BBACG, plus any additional slot machine credits won by a winning secondary game player during the play of one or more designated slot machines, cannot be redeemed by the player unless the player has won the highest award jackpot available to players playing on slot machines having a “Bill Acceptor” programmed to read and accept TITO tickets issued at a casino game table offering the 1^(st) BBACG associated with the designated slot machines.

Alternatively, at the discretion of the host casino, TITO tickets issued to 1^(st) BBACG winners can be redeemed for cash or other things of value. When a TITO ticket issued to 1^(st) BBACG winners is used by the winning player to play one or more designated slot machines located within the host casino, or at a sister casino associated with the host casino, any slot machine credits won playing the BBACG, plus any additional slot machine credits won by a winning secondary game player on one or more of the host casino's slot machines, can be redeemed for cash by the player in the same manner as TITO tickets issued by coin-less slot machines.

For example, at the beginning of one or more designated twenty-four hour periods, or other designated periods of time, and/or prior to the commencement of each game round, a RNG will randomly select from the inventory of the virtual deck from which the game is played one or more cards for example at least two cards, known to be contained in the deck(s) of playing cards. The virtual deck is identical to the real inventory of cards from which the game is played.

The cards selected by a RNG for the 2^(nd) BBACG will be designated as,( i.e., “BONUS BJ of THE HOUR”), and the cards selected by the system RNG for the 3^(rd) BBACG will be designated (i.e.,“BONUS HAND of THE DAY”). Two cards will be randomly selected by the RNG for the 2^(nd) BBACG and the 3^(rd) BBACG. The cards are preferably common to all players engaged in the play of a primary game at one or more game tables in communication to the system of the present invention. According to one embodiment, the tables are linked via a network which may include game tables that do not offer the same primary game, (i.e., Blackjack, Poker, Baccarat, Caribbean Stud, Let It Ride), etc. During the designated time period for the (i.e., “BONUS BJ of THE HOUR” and/or the “BONUS HAND of THE DAY”) game rounds a computer generated image of the RNG are randomly selected (i.e., “BONUS BJ of THE HOUR” and/or the “BONUS HAND of THE DAY”) and a hand will be displayed on one or more displays embedded in, attached to, or in close proximity to the game table(s).

Preferably, any player who has made a wager to participate in the play of a primary card game round would be eligible to participate in a 2^(nd) BBACG and/or a 3^(rd) BBACG round offering a bonus award to players who receive cards identical to the card value and/or card rank and suit and the delivery sequence of the selected cards designated as either the (i.e., “BONUS BJ of THE HOUR” and/or the “BONUS HAND of THE DAY”). The system scanner will automatically identify the seat(s) receiving winning 2^(nd) BBACG and/or winning 3^(rd) BBACG hands and, preferably, alert the game player and the game dealer by means of one or more visual or audible alerts activated by the system of the present invention, and the system printer will automatically print out a TITO ticket imprinted with the value and or description of the award and other game and player information relative to the winning BBACG. Other variations of BBACG will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are meant to be included herein.

Multiple BBACG games can be created and monitored by means of the improved system and method of the present invention that are relative to criteria specific to individual players engaged in the play of one or more card game(s), i.e., including birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, special achievements or events, and etc. and/or relative to the number of game players engaged in the play of a base game at one or more game tables coupled to the system by means of a single processing unit and/or network. Prizes awarded to players of the subject BBACG games are arbitrarily determined by the casino operator and may include anything of value, for example, cash, lodging, food, beverages, prizes, but is not limited thereto.

Referring now to FIG. 1 a card game table known in the art is provided for illustration purposes. A game table top 110 having an imprinted game table top layout 111, a card discard rack 112 which accepts cards removed from play, a drop box slot 113 accepts cash, chips, and documentation for debit and credit transactions relative to the game table bankroll, a chip tray 114 holds gaming chips that comprise the game table's bankroll whereas the gaming chips are disbursed to, or collected from, game players seated in an assigned game table seat (i.e., seats 1-7) 117 who have placed a wager in a betting box 116 designated for wagers for the primary game (also referred to herein as a secondary game) a side wager placed within a side bet box 118 designated for wagers for an auxiliary game, and a padded rail 115 for the comfort of the game players.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a top view of an intelligent game table is illustrated according to one embodiment of the present invention. Electrical components coupled to or carried by the intelligent game table top 210 include at processing unit 219, in communication with one or more electronic elements carried by or associated with the game table including one or more of the following: a Keyboard 220, a Keypad 221 which may be embedded in the housing 227 of a Card Dispensing Shoe 222, a monitor 223, a segmented auxiliary bet location (for example, “game bet housing”) 230, a printer 226 a “Bill Acceptor” 229 (also referred to herein as a “Currency Validator), an automatic bet recognition device (ABRD) (not shown). Each of the cards removed from the shoe 222 are scanned by a scanner (not shown) housed by the shoe 222, or a system scanner (not shown) that is external to the shoe 222. A scanner (not shown) may be an infrared scanner that reads a bar code imprinted on the back of the cards, a neural-network scanner trained to read indicia imprinted on any standard deck of cards and a charge-coupling-device, optical scanners that read machine readable indicia placed on the edges of the cards, and overhead cameras that capture images of the game cards placed face up on the game table top 210 but are not limited thereto. A scanner (not shown) is in communication with a processing unit 219.

Preferably the housing 230 is segmented to include an outside segment 231 and a center or inside segment 232 whereas the surfaces of the segments 231 and 232 are translucent. Preferably, at least one Tri-Colored LED (not shown) is contained within the outside segment 231 of the housing 230. The center segment 232 of the embedded housing 230, preferably, contains at least one Tri-Colored LED, (not shown) and a automatic bet recognition device (for example side bet sensors, light sensors, and/or a RFID chip reader). The electronic components are in communication with a processing unit 219, wherein the communication is by wired or wireless means or a combination thereof. One or more of the components may be positioned on the game table, attached to the table, near the table or remote from the table. The shoe 222 may be in communication with the system scanner, (not shown), by wire or wireless means. Prior art player tacking cards (not shown) can be scanned by a magnetic strip reader (not shown) carried by the shoe 222 or may be scanned by another device that is known in the art and in communication with the processing unit 219 of the system. Monitors 223 may be positioned on or adjacent to the game table in full view of the game players and/or the game dealer. The “Bill Acceptor” 229 may be positioned on or adjacent to the game table top 210 in close proximity to the game dealer.

The printer 226, is in communication with the processing unit 219. The printer 226, is positioned on or in close proximity to the card game table, preferably, printer 226 is a Ticket-In, Ticket-Out (TITO) printer. Printer 226 may be used to generate a receipt or ticket with a bar code identifying the dollar value of any gaming chips a departing base game player may present to the game table dealer to be cashed out, (i.e., exchanged), preferably, for a TITO ticket printed by printer 226, bearing imprinted indicia identifying the value of the chips the player has surrendered to the game dealer for the dealer to cash out. The subject TITO ticket may also include player and game information relative to the identity of the game table, the game played at game table, the seat number occupied by the departing game player, and etc.

Preferably, Keyboard 220 is coupled to printer 226. The Keyboard 220 may be configured with the appropriate “Cash Out”, “Buy In” and Numeric Keys to provide the game dealer with the means to input the “Cash Out” and “Buy In” transactions into the system. When a departing player chooses to exchange his/her gaming chips for a TITO ticket the game dealer will use Keyboard 220 to input the exchange into the system. For example the player in Seat 4 decides to leave the game and chooses to “Cash Out” his/her chips at the game table in exchange for a TITO ticket. The player surrenders his/her chips to the dealer who identifies and confirms the value of the surrendered chips. The dealer then presses the “Cash Out” Key (not shown) followed by the appropriate numeric keys to enter the dollar value of the chips being cashed out by the departing player, followed by the “Enter” Key (not shown) to enter the “Cash Out” transaction into the system, thereby signaling the TITO printer 226 to print out a TITO ticket identifying the dollar value of the chips cashed out my the player in Seat 4. The printed TITO ticket is presented to the player by the dealer, the dealer places the surrendered chips into the chip rack 114 and/or the player may continue to play or leave the game. The customer receiving the TITO ticket imprinted with the value of the players chip “Cash Out” may choose to present the subject ticket to a dealer, at a another game table, operated by the issuing casino, that is also fitted with a “Bill Acceptor” and a TITO printer 226, in exchange for gaming chips. TITO tickets issued at a gaming table in exchange for chips may also be cashed out for cash at designated stations or a casino cashier cage fitted with a “Bill Acceptor” or reader programmed to read the subject TITO tickets.

In the event the departing player has logged into the game table by means of a PTC card, preferably, in addition to the dollar value of the chips surrendered to the game dealer, the name of the departing player will be imprinted on the TITO ticket. When the TITO ticket is surrendered by the player to a game dealer at a game table operated by the host casino or a casino associated with the host casino and fitted with a “Bill Acceptor” 229 programmed to read the subject TITO ticket, the game dealer will insert the TITO ticket into the game table's “Bill Acceptor” 229. The TITO ticket is read and concurrently the dollar value of the ticket, along with the name of the presenting player, if any, imprinted on the TITO ticket will be displayed on one or more displays coupled to the system of the present invention. The game dealer will remove gaming chips from the chip rack 114, equal in value to the amount displayed, and/or the amount printed on the TITO ticket. To finalize the transaction the dealer will ask the customer to confirm that the value of the chips removed from the chip tray 114 are equal to the value of the TITO ticket display on the monitor associated with the “Bill Acceptor” 229. Upon receiving the players confirmation the dealer will surrender control of the gaming chips to the customer and then press a “Buy In” Key (not shown) and other keys carried by Keyboard 220 to enter the transaction into [system software] associated with the “Bill Acceptor” 229 and the game table's bankroll, and to clear the display screen. Further, at the discretion of the host casino, the customer presenting a TITO ticket issued at a gaming table in exchange for gaming chips may be asked to verify his or her ownership of the TITO ticket by means of a PTC imprinted with the name of the customer imprinted on the TITO ticket and/or other means of identification specific to the presenting player, before the game dealer issues gaming chips, equal in value to the TITO ticket, or a cage cashier give cash, to the player presenting the TITO ticket.

Preferably, TITO tickets issued at a gaming table in exchange for gaming chips, and TITO tickets issued at a slot machine are interchangeable and “Bill Acceptors” 229 associated with either a slot machine or a casino table game will read and accept TITO tickets issued at a slot machine or casino table game table operated by the host casino.

The advantages of fitting a card game table with a “Bill Acceptor” 229 and a TITO printer 226 are many. For example, a player in possession of a large number of gaming chips who terminates his/her playing session at a game table by surrendering the gaming chips to the game dealer in exchange for a TITO ticket will improve the host casino's ability to monitor the play of the customer, reduce the number of fills the casino will have to make to replace chips removed from the game table thereby reducing labor costs, provide the casino with additional means to track the players play at other game tables and slot machines. Further, the departing player can easily transport and secure the subject TITO ticket, and when the player has logged into the game by means of a PTC his/her name will be imprinted on the TITO ticket preventing the ticket from being exchanged for cash or chips, if the ticket is lost or stolen, by anyone other than the customer to which the ticket was issued. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a base card game player may participate in a secondary game (for example a WBACG and/or a BBACG). Free participation in a BBACG may be awarded to a player upon verification of the player's PTC card. Alternatively, a free BBACG round may be awarded to a player at the discretion of the casino when a player meets a predetermined level of activity; for example the total amount of wagers placed, duration of a playing session, total play in a designated time period, and/or when the player first engages in the play of a game on the players birthday, his or/her wedding anniversary and/or the anniversary date of the player being issued a PTC by the casino.

A segmented housing 230 is embedded in the game table, preferably one each for each game table seat or player position. Preferably the surface of the top of the housing 230 is translucent and flush with the surface of the game table top 210 and layout. Any WBACG bet is positioned over the center segment 232 of housing 230 by the participating game player prior to the commencement of each game round.

According to another embodiment, the center segment 232 of the housing's 230 surface is translucent. A player designates interest in playing the secondary WBACG game by placing a side wager on top of the center segment 232 of the housing 230 associated with his/her base game table seat. Contained within and beneath the surface of the center segment 232 of the housing 230 is at least one Tri-Colored LED (not shown) and an Automatic Bet Recognition Device (ABRD) (for example a RFID Chip Reader and/or Light Sensor, but not limited thereto) (not shown), to automatically identify the amount and/or presence or absence of any side bet(s) made by the player(s) to participate in the WBACG during the upcoming game round.

When a game table seat is occupied by a game player actively engaged in the play of the base game, the surface of the center segment 232 of the housing 230 will, preferably, be illuminated for example White.

When the base game players have made their bets for the upcoming game round and at the players option, the player has also made a wager to participate in the upcoming WBACG round, the dealers presses a Deal Key (see 725 of FIG. 7) to initiate the commencement of the upcoming game round by activating the system's automatic bet recognition device (not shown) of housing 230. The affiliates cause a processing limit to record, and store in memory, the presence and/or amounts of side bets wagered by each player to participate in the WBACG during the upcoming game round. When the Deal Key 725, (a Deal Key 725 may also be integrated into Keyboard 220 when the game is dealt from a “hand deck” or a “shoe” 222), is pressed, and the ABRD (see 333 of FIG. 3) contained within and beneath the surface of center segment (see 232 of FIG. 3) of housing (see 230 of FIG. 3) does not detect the presence of a wager for the upcoming WBACG round at an active seat, the translucent surface of the center 232 of the active seat's housing 230 will remain illuminated White. When the system detects the presence, and/or the amount of a wager for the upcoming WBACG round the translucent surface of the center 232 of the housing 230 will be illuminated a color, preferably Orange. At this point the game dealer picks up any WBACG bets and places them in the chip tray 114 and the translucent surface of the center 232 of the housing 230 for those seats having made a WBACG bet for the current game round will remain illuminated Orange.

Concurrently, a system RNG will, prior to the removal of the first card from the deck for delivery to a game, player or dealer hand during the upcoming game round randomly select for each active seat one or more cards that are projected to be delivered. For example, the ANG will generate at least two cards, in sequence a 1^(st) card and a 2^(nd) card, from the game cards known to comprise the game deck's inventory. A player may be eligible to participate if the game player occupying the active seat has qualified to participate in one or more secondary games during the upcoming game round.

The cards projected by the system RNG for each of the qualified seats will preferably be displayed face-up on one or more monitors 223 associated with an active game table seat when a game player occupying the active seat has made the minimum required wager to participate in the primary game and the active primary game seat player has also made the required side bet to participate in the WBACG round for the upcoming game round and/or when the active seat's player has qualified to participate in one or more 1^(st) BBACG rounds. The dealer then proceeds to deliver the cards from the game deck to the game players.

A winning hand occurs when during the play of the current primary game round, a WBACG game player or dealers hand is actually delivered from the game deck to the preliminary hand. The WBACG hand is one or more game cards projected by the system RNG for delivery, in “Any Sequence”, to a participating primary hand. For example the RNG projects an Ace of Hearts and a King of Hearts will be dealt in any sequence for the primary game hand. If the cards are dealt to the primary hand, then the illuminated center 232 of the housing 230 will change from the color Orange to, preferably Light Blue. When the winning “Any Sequence” hand is paid the illuminated center 232 of the housing 230 will change from the color Light Blue to preferably Red. When a WBACG game, player or dealer hand is actually delivered one or more game cards projected by the system RNG to be delivered, “in Sequence”, to a participating WBACG game or player hand, the illuminated center 232 of the housing 230 will change from the color Orange to preferably Royal Blue. When the winning “In Sequence” hand is paid the illuminated center 232 of the housing 230 will change from the color Royal Blue to preferably Red.

Preferably, the amount of any pay outs or awards payable to winning WBACG players will be arbitrarily determined by the game table operator and pre-programmed into the system. The system of the current invention will automatically identify winning and losing BBACG and WBACG hands and display the number of the seat occupied by the winning player, and the amount and/or description of any pay outs or bonus awards payable to players having winning secondary game hands on one or more monitors coupled to the system.

Preferably, winning WBACG wagers are paid to the players in gaming chips that are playable at the host casino's gaming tables. Alternatively, at the discretion of the host casino, winning WBACG wagers may be paid with cash or any prize or award having a cash value. Preferably, when winning WBACG players win cash, prizes or other things of value the winning WBACG player is paid by means of a TITO ticket printed and issued to the winning player at the game table where the player is engaged in the play of the game.

Preferably, winning 1^(st) BBACG hands are paid with slot machine credits playable on one or more slot machines owned or operated by the host casino. Alternatively, winning 1^(st) BBACG hands may be paid, at the discretion of the casino operator, with cash or any prize or award having a cash value by means of a TITO ticket printed and issued to the winning player at the game table where the player is engaged in the play of the game.

Preferably, winning 2^(nd) BBACG hands are paid with “Room, Food or Beverage” by means of a TITO ticket printed and issued to the winning player at the game table where the player is engaged in the play of the game. Alternatively, winning 1^(st) BBACG hands may be paid, at the discretion of the casino operator, with cash or any prize or award having a cash value by means of a TITO ticket printed and issued to the winning player at the game table.

Preferably, winning 3^(rd) BBACG hands are paid with durable goods, (i.e., Televisions, Computers, Boats, Automobiles, and etc.), by means of a TITO ticket printed and issued to the winning player at the game table where the player is engaged in the play of the game. Alternatively, winning 3^(rd) BBACG hands may be paid, at the discretion of the casino operator, with cash or any prize or award having a cash value by means of a TITO ticket printed and issued to the winning player at the game table.

At the end of each game round the settlement of the base game wagers is achieved, manually, by the game dealer initiating the settlement of the game round by paying or taking gaming chips (see 2080 of FIG. 20), relative to the outcome of the game round, starting with the highest numbered active game table seat available at the game table, (i.e., seats, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1), and continuing the settlement, in descending order to the next lowest numbered active seat at the game table engaged in the play of the just completed game round.

The cards projected by the system RNG for delivery to a game or player hand participating in WBACG round and/or a 1^(st) BBACG round may be common to both secondary card games. At the end of each game round, a processing unit 219 will automatically compare the card value and/or card rank, card suit and delivery sequence of the two cards projected by the system RNG for delivery to a game or player hand, (i.e., Seat 1), engaged in the play of a just completed WGACG round or a 1^(st) BBACG round with the card value and/or card rank, card suit and delivery sequence of the two cards the system scanner has identified as actually being dealt to a game or player hand, (i.e., Seat 7), during the play of the just completed game round.

Further, at the end of each game round a processing unit 219 will automatically compare the card value and/or card rank, card suit and delivery sequence of the two cards designated as the 2^(nd) BBACG hand, (i.e., “BONUS BJ of THE HOUR), for the just completed game round, to the card value and/or card rank, card suit and delivery sequence of the two cards the system scanner has identified as actually being dealt to a primary game or player hand, (i.e., Seat 7), during the play of the just completed game round to identify winning and losing 2^(nd) BBACG hands. At the end of each game round a processing unit 219 will automatically compare the card value and/or card rank, card suit and delivery sequence of the two cards designated as the 3^(rd) BBACG hand, (i.e., “BONUS HAND of THE DAY), for the just completed game round, to the card value and/or card rank, card suit and delivery sequence of the two cards the system scanner has identified as actually being dealt to a game or player hand, (i.e., Seat 7), during the play of the just completed game round to identify winning and losing 3^(rd) BBACG hands.

The processing unit 219 will identify the seat(s) receiving a winning or losing secondary game hand(s) during the just completed game round and automatically calculate and/or display the amount or description of any awards payable to the secondary game player(s) (i.e., the player occupying Seat 7), associated with each winning secondary game hand. When the amount and/or description of any awards payable to the secondary game player(s) has been identified, preferably, as the game dealer engages in the settlement of the primary game hands, the printer 226 will automatically commence to print the appropriate receipt to be presented to the winning player (i.e., Seat 7), in settlement of any winning secondary game hands received by the winning player. While the printer 226 is printing the receipt for a player or game hand, (i.e., Seat 7), the center segment 232 of the segmented housing 230 dedicated to (i.e., Seat 7) will be illuminated for example, a pulsating color, preferably Red. When the printer 226 finishes printing out all winning receipts for one or more secondary games played during the just completed game round associated with a game player or game hand (i.e., Seat 7), and the dealer has removed the receipts from the printer 226 for presentation to the winning player, (i.e., Seat 7), the illuminated center segment 232 of the housing 230 will cease pulsating.

Preferably, the printer 226 will be programmed to automatically initiate the settlement of winning secondary game hands dealt to a winning game or player hand (i.e., Seat 7), for the just completed game round, starting with the highest seat number of the game seats available at the game table, (i.e., 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1). When the printer 226 finishes printing out all winning receipts (for example TITO tickets) payable to a game player or game hand, (i.e., Seat 7), having received one or more winning cards that are applicable to one or more secondary games played during the just completed game round, the printer 226 will signal the game dealer, by means of a visual or audible alert, that all winning secondary game TITO ticket(s) for the game player, (i.e., Seat 7), have been printed, whereas the printer 226 will automatically continue the game round settlement by advancing, in descending order, to the next lowest numbered active seat, (i.e., Seat 5), at the game table that has received a winning secondary game hand for one or more secondary games played during the just completed game round.

In the event the game table operator chooses to pay winning WBACG players pay outs based on the “true odds” of a game, the processing unit 219 will automatically determine, prior to the commencement of a game round, the player and/or dealer hand being dealt one or more cards from the cards comprising the game deck, the number of game, player and/or dealer hands to be dealt during the upcoming game round, and the card value, card rank and suit of each of the cards comprising the deck's card inventory. The amount and/or description of any pay offs due winning WBACG and/or BBACG hands will be automatically calculated and/or displayed by the appropriate software module on one or more monitors 223 coupled to one embodiment of the present invention at the conclusion of the current game round.

Alternatively, the “true odds” of one or more secondary virtual game cards being projected for delivery to a game, player or dealer primary hand can be pre-calculated and stored in memory and the appropriate pay out(s) for winning secondary game hands can be selected from the system memory and displayed on one or more monitors coupled to the system of one embodiment of the present invention at the conclusion of each game round.

At the option of management the printer 226 can be activated manually to print winning secondary game TITO tickets by means of Keyboard 220, or Keypad (see 721 of FIG. 7) embedded in the housing 723 (see FIG. 7) of the shoe 722 (see FIG. 7). For example, the dealer holds down the Pay Key (see 727 of FIG. 7) and then presses a numeric key(s) identical to the highest numbered seat (i.e., Seat 7), that has received a winning secondary game hand for one or more secondary game rounds for the just completed game round. Subsequently printer 226 will be activated and proceed, starting with Seat 7, for example, to print out TITO tickets for all active game player or game hands that have received a winning auxiliary game hand for one or more auxiliary games. After the appropriate Pay 727 and Numeric keys have been pressed to identify the first winning seat, printer 226 is activated. The printer 226 will then default to the method of issuing TITO tickets to winning secondary game players as previously described when the printer 226 is activated automatically by the processing unit 219 at the end of each game round. The printer 226 continues to print out winning TITO tickets for all other active seats that have been dealt winning secondary game hands during the just completed game round. This is achieved without further input by the game dealer by means of Keyboard 220 or Keypad 221.

Preferably all winning TITO tickets will be imprinted with table, game and player information which may include one or more of the following: the name of the casino, the game table number, the name of the game being played, the amount of the WBACG side bet wagered, the amount, value or description of any pay out or award due the winning game hand, seat or player, the number of the seat receiving the winning WBACG auxiliary game card(s), the card value, card suit and delivery sequence of cards delivered to the winning game hand, the name of the player if the player has been logged into the game by means of a PTC, the date and time that the TITO ticket was printed and instructions for redemption of the TITO ticket by the player.

When the primary game players playing at game table monitored by one of the system and method have made their bets for the upcoming game round and one or more of the game players has logged into a game table by means of a PTC issued to the player by the host casino, or by a casino associated with the host casino, when the game dealer presses the Deal Key, (see 725 of FIG. 8) signaling the system that the game round is to commence. Thereafter, the outside segment 231 of the housing 230 assigned to the seat occupied by the player logging into the game by means of an appropriate PTC will illuminate color, preferably Orange, indicating that the player occupying the seat associated with the side bet housing has qualified to participate in one or more of the 1^(st) BBACG, 2^(nd) BBACG or 3^(rd) BBACG rounds during the upcoming game round.

During the play of a BBACG round, should a BBACG player having qualified to participate in a 1^(st) BBACG during the upcoming game round by means of a PTC or other means, game hand receive one or more cards that match one or more game cards projected by the system RNG or cards selected by the house for delivery in “Any Sequence” to a designated game or player hand, the outside segment 231 of the housing 723 will change from the color Orange to preferably Yellow. When the winning 1^(st) BBACG game hand is paid the outside segment 231 of the housing 723 will change from the color Yellow to Red indicating that the settlement of the winning BBACG hand is complete.

When one or more game cards projected by the system RNG to be delivered “in Sequence”, to a qualified 1^(st) BBACG game or player hand, the illuminated outside segment 231 of the side bet housing 723 will change from the color Orange to preferably the color Green. When the winning hand is paid the color of the outside segment 231 will change from the color Green to the color Red indicating that the settlement of the winning 1^(st) BBACG hand is complete.

Preferably, the amount and value of any slot machine credits payable to winning 1^(st) BBACG players will be arbitrarily determined by the game table operator and pre-programmed into the system. The system of the current invention will automatically identify all types of BBACG, for example a 1^(st) BBACG, a 2^(nd) BBACG and a 3^(rd) BBACG, player or game hands that have received a winning game hand for the current game round. Further, the system will identify and display, on one or more monitors 223 in communication with the system, the seat/position number and amount and/or value of any pay outs or awards, payable to winning secondary game players.

Preferably, primary game players, who have qualified by means of a PTC to participate in a 1^(st) BBACG round, who are dealt winning game hands during a 1^(st) BBACG round will be awarded slot machine credits that are playable on one or more virtual, real or video slot machines located within the host casino, or within a remote casino associated with the host casino. Alternatively, qualified 1^(st) BBACG players may be paid cash or any prize or award having a cash value.

Preferably, qualified 1^(st) BBACG players having received one or more winning cards during the play of a 1^(st) BBACG round are paid by means of TITO tickets automatically printed at the end of a game round by the system printer 226 of the current invention using the method previously described. When the system recognizes that the settlement of all winning WBACG and BBACG hands has been completed the center 232 and outside 231 segments of the housing 723 will be, reset, illuminating White. According to another embodiment of the present invention, in the event that a WBACG player has placed a winning wager that is not payable to the player at the game table in gaming chips, i.e., Cash, Room, Food, Beverage, TV, Car or anything of value that is listed on the game payout schedule, (not shown), the system printer 226, at the end of a game round will print out a receipt/ticket for all seats in descending order, (i.e., seat 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1), that have received winning WBACG hands for the current game round. When a player wins more than one secondary game during the same game round the printer 226 will print all winning secondary game tickets associated with the seat occupied by the winning player for the current game round. Preferably the ticket for the WBACG is printed first, followed by the 1^(st) BBACG G, the 2^(nd) BBACG and last, the 3^(rd) BBACG tickets.

When the printer has finished printing all winning secondary game tickets for a game seat the system will alert the game dealer for example by means of a visual and/or audible alert and the game dealer will remove the winning tickets from the printer 226 and distribute them to the winning secondary game player. As the printer 226 automatically proceeds for example in descending order to the next active seat having received a winning auxiliary game hand during the current game round and printout any tickets identifying the award due the player occupying the seat. Alternatively, each seat is equipped with printer 226 and the ticket is printed for the player to take. Alternatively, management may decide to forgo the automatic method of payment and choose the payment method previously described wherein the game dealer and or the player manually activates the printer 226 by means of Keyboard 220 or Keypad (see 721 of FIG. 7) to print winning tickets for secondary game players.

A winning secondary game player may, at his/her convenience, use the ticket to redeem the value of the ticket at one or more designated casino cage cashiers, prize redemption booths or electronic stations located within the casino that have a means to read the ticket and to award the customer the cash or prize imprinted on the winning ticket.

Alternatively, when a player is engaged in the play of a 1^(st) BBACG round, the winning 1^(st) BBACG game hands are paid slot machine credits via the system printer 226 in communication with a system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The system will, during the settlement of a 1^(st) BBACG game round, automatically generate an electronic record and/or a physical ticket having indicated, identifying the dollar value and/or amount of the slot machine credits won by the 1^(st) BBACG game player and other game and player information relative to the just completed game round. The information may be stored on the ticket in the form of a bar code. The game dealer or player removes the ticket from the printer 226 and the winning 1^(st) BBACG player at his/her convenience, can use the ticket to play one or more slot machines, hosted by the game table operator, housing a “Bill Acceptor” 229 or “Currency Reader” programmed to accept the ticket. The term “Bill Acceptor” 229 and “Currency Reader” are used herein interchangeably. Preferably, the printer 226 may be programmed to imprint indicia on the ticket that will restrict the play of 1^(st) BBACG slot machine credits awarded to the customer by means of the ticket to one or more designated progressive slot machines under the control or associated with the host casino.

TITO printers 226 are currently used by casinos operating coin-less slot machines. When playing a coin-less slot machine, the player buys credits on the machine by inserting currency into a “Bill Acceptor” 229 carried by or coupled to the slot machine. The slot machine reads and identifies the value of the inserted bill and the value of the bill is converted into slot machine credits, relative to the value or denomination of the slot machine credits designated for playing that specific slot machine. The credits are displayed on one or more displays carried by the slot machine. For example, a $20.00 bill is inserted into a designated $1.00 slot machine's “Bill Acceptor” 229 and subsequently the slot machine displays twenty (20) slot machine credits available for play on the machine, or a $20.00 is inserted into a designated $0.25 cent slot machine's “Bill Acceptor” 229 and subsequently the slot machine displays eighty (80) slot machine credits available for play on the machine.

When the player decides to terminate his/her play of the slot machine and at least one display carried by the slot machine indicates that the player still has, for example, sixty (60) slot machine credits valued at $0.25 cents each remaining on the slot machine, the player presses a “Cash Out” button. Thereafter, the number and value of the credits to be cashed out are sent to the TITO printer 226 which proceeds to print and eject a bar coded ticket showing the dollar amount of the slot machine credits cashed out as $15.00. At the option of the customer receiving the TITO ticket, he/she also has the option of taking it to one or more designated automated stations, (similar to an ATM machine), slot or casino cashier booths having a bar code scanner and/or TITO reader, and cash in the ticket for it's cash value or $15.00. Alternatively, the customer may insert the TITO ticket into a slot machines “Bill Acceptor” 229 for conversion to slot machine credits playable on the receiving slot machine, or the customer may choose to keep the TITO for use another day or time.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that a TITO ticket imprinted with slot machine game credits won playing a 1^(st) BBACG game also be imprinted with a code that would restrict the use of the ticket to playing one or more designated Progressive Slot Machine(s). For example, an International Gaming Technology's “MegaBucks”™ progressive slot machines . . . which are “participation” slot machines, associated with the casino hosting the 1^(ST) BBACG game. The ticket would not be accepted by the “Bill Acceptors” of other slot machines located within the host casino. Any other TITO ticket, payable in gaming chips or cash, issued to winning WBACG game players at a casino card game table may be coded, at the host casino's discretion, for acceptance by any slot machine owned, operated, controlled by or associated with the host casino. The feature of restricting the use of the 1^(st) BBACG tickets to specific machines is to reduce the cost of the 1^(st) BBACG bonusing system to the casino. For example, the system of the present invention may be programmed to limit the customer's use of TITO tickets, issued to winning 1^(st) BBACG game players, preferably, to progressive slot machines the host casino has licensed from a specific slot machine manufacture or vendor. In that event it is more than probable that the slot machine manufacturer, or vendor, of a known progressive jackpot slot machine will be willing to compensate the host casino for limiting the use of 1^(st) BBACG tickets to the licensing vendor's slot machines which would prove to be advantageous to both casino and vendor.

Preferably, the codes imprinted on the 1^(st) BBACG TITO ticket can only be read by “Bill Acceptors” 229 associated with the vendor's slot machines. Preferably, 1^(st) BBACG tickets for slot machine credits cannot be cashed out for cash unless the customer wins a casino determined level on the machine being played. More preferably, the casino determined level would be the largest jackpot available on the slot machine being played. Restricting the use of the TITO tickets in this manner stops the player from cashing out any slot machine credits won at the game table and/or any intermediate payouts won during the play of a slot machine programmed to accept the 1^(st) BBACG TITO tickets. Therefore, the casino's actual cost of slot machine credits issued to a winning 1^(st) BBACG player is limited to the amount of the participation fee the casino pays to the slot machine manufacturer or vendor, (i.e., $300 in 1^(st) BBACG slot machine credits won at the game table are charged to the game table, and subsequently the $300 in 1^(st) BBACG slot machine credits are destined to be played and, more than probably lost, at a “Participation Progressive Slot Machine” located on the property of the host casino.) Also, if the winning player is to benefit from the bonus slot machine credits won at a card game table operated by the host casino he/she is compelled to visit the host casino's slot department and become familiar with and, preferably, play the designated slot machines available there. Further, during his or her visit to the host casino's slot department the winning 1^(st) BBACG player will be exposed to other slot machines that will require “cash” if the player chooses to play these machines. Of course the TITO tickets issued to winning 1^(st) BBACG players can be programmed to be accepted by all slot machines operated by the host casino.

A “Participation Progressive Slot Machine” is typically owned, operated and maintained by a slot machine manufacturer or vendor who may couple one or more of its Progressive Slot Machines, located in one or more casinos having the same or different ownership and located at one or multiple remote locations, by means of a network (LAN or WAN). The vendor absorbs the expenses of ownership, operation, and maintenance of the Progressive Slot Machine(s), including the management and payment of any Progressive Jackpots won by “Participation Progressive Jackpot Machine” players playing at the hosting casino. The host casino pays the slot machine vendor a participation fee of, for example, 6% of dollars waged. For example, if a customer wages $3.00 on the slot, $0.18 goes to the vendor, the remainder goes to the casino, less any contribution to the progressive jackpot). For example, IGT's MegaBucks™ progressive slot machines' minimum progressive jackpot is $7,000,000. IGT'S MegaBucks™ machines have paid jackpots in excess of $30,000,000. When the progressive jackpot is won, IGT's controller monitoring the progressive jackpot system, on verifying the jackpot automatically resets the jackpot to the minimum of $7,000,000. Some casinos own, operate, and maintain their own progressive jackpot systems.

A TITO ticket from a slot machine may be present to a card table equipped with a “Bill Acceptor” 229. The game dealer, responding to the displayed value of the TITO ticket, will then proceed to issue to the presenting player gaming chips equal to the displayed dollar value of the TITO ticket. The dealer will then input data using a data entry system for example a keyboard 220, coupled to a processing unit 219 to record the transaction and monitor the game table's bankroll. Preferably, Keyboard 220 will be configured with the appropriate “Seat Activation/Deactivation”, “Numeric”, “Cash Out”, and “Buy In” Keys to allow the dealer to input the transactions into the system. When a departing player chooses to exchange his/her gaming chips for a TITO ticket the game dealer will use Keyboard 220 to input the exchange into the system and the system printer 226 will print out a TITO ticket imprinted with the amount of the chips presented to the dealer for cash out, the dealer then presenting the TITO ticket to the departing player, and subsequently the dealer places the gaming chips in the game tables chip rack 114 which contains the game tables working bankroll.

The customer receiving the TITO ticket imprinted with the value of the players “Cash Out” may choose to present the ticket to a dealer, at another game table operated by the issuing casino that is also fitted with a “Bill Acceptor” 229 and a TITO printer 226 insert the TITO ticket into a “Bill Acceptor” 229 carried by a slot machine operated by the host casino or game table operator, or the player may present the TITO ticket to a casino cage cashier or electronic station, (similar to an ATM machine), to redeem the cash value of the TITO ticket (making TITO tickets issued at a slot machine or a card cage table interchangeable, acceptable, at a “Bill Acceptor” 229 carried by either slot machine or card game table should be claimed).

Referring now to FIG. 3, a close up top view of a segmented housing 230 is illustrated according to one embodiment of the present invention. A translucent surface covers the segmented auxiliary game housing 230 which has two segments. Segmented housing 230 showing the outside segment 231 and the inside segment 232 with an automatic bet recognition device 333, (ABRD) (i.e., preferably a RFID Chip Reader or Light Sensor), at a location on the table for example concealed beneath the surface of the inside segment. At least one housing 230 is positioned adjacent to each player position for the player to place any side bets for an upcoming WBACG game round and to monitor the play of the WBACG and BBACG game rounds. The center segment 232 of the housing 230 contains one or more Tri-Colored LEDs (not shown) for illuminating and color coding the translucent surface of the center segment 232 which is directed at alerting the player and/or the game dealer to the player qualifications to participation in an upcoming WBACG game round and to further alert the player and the game dealer to the outcome of a WBACG game round when a game hand associated with a seat's housing 230 has received a winning WBACG hand, and the progress of the settlement of a winning WBACG hand. The outside segment 231 of the housing 230 contains one or more Tri-Colored LEDs (not shown) for illuminating and color coding the translucent surface of the outside segment 231 which is directed at alerting the player and/or the game dealer to the player qualifying to participate in an upcoming BBACG game round and to further alert the player and the game dealer to the outcome of a BBACG game round when a game hand associated with a seat's housing 230 has received a winning BBACG hand, and the progress of the settlement of a winning BBACG hand.

Example color codes for the outside segment 231 are:

-   -   Orange=Player is qualified to participate in a 1^(st) BBACG         round;         or     -   Yellow=1^(st) BBACG round “Any Sequence” winner; or     -   Green=1^(st) BBACG round “In Sequence” winner; or     -   Pink=2^(nd) BBACG round “Bonus BJ of The Day” winner; or     -   Magenta=3^(rd) BBACG round “Bonus Hand of The Day” winner; or     -   Red & Pulsating=TITO ticket for settlement of winning hand is         printing; or     -   Red=TITO ticket removed from printer for presentation to winning         player, settlement of winning hand(s) is complete.

Example color codes for the inside segment 232 are:

-   -   White=Active game table seat; or     -   Orange=Player placed side bet for upcoming WBACG round; or     -   Light Blue=WBACG round “Any Sequence” winner; or     -   Royal Blue=WBACG round “In Sequence” winner; or     -   Red=WBACG; winning hand settlement is complete.         Each of the cards removed from the shoe 222 may be scanned by a         system scanner, (not shown), housed by the shoe 222, or a system         scanner (not shown) that is external to the shoe 222. The system         scanner(s) (not shown) is in communication with a processing         unit 219. All other elements are as previously described.

The housing 230 is positioned in the game table (not shown), preferably at the top right in front of each Primary Game's designated players betting box imprinted on the game table layout. Similar housings 230 may also be positioned in front of each Primary Game's designated players betting box to accommodate similar ABRD 333 devices for other wagers made at the game table (not shown), i.e., Insurance and Surrender wagers when the game being played is Blackjack, and on all card game tables (not shown) allowing a game player to make a wager for the game dealer. Further, the Keyboard 220 may be used to Activate/Deactivate the ABRD 333 and LED devices contained within the housing 230.

Outside segment 232 of the segmented housing 230 is dedicated to monitoring the play of the BBACG games(s), (i.e., a 1^(st) BBACG G, a 2^(nd) BBACG G, and/or a 3^(rd) BBACG G). The surface of the segmented housing 230 is translucent. Within the housing's 230 outside segment 232 is at least one Tri-Colored LED. In the event a game player has logged into the primary game by means of a PTC card, the surface of the outside segment 232 will illuminate preferably Orange, indicating that the player is eligible to participate in one or more 1^(st) BBACG rounds, offered by the host casino, during his/her playing session at the game table. The inside segment 231 of a seat's housing 230 is illuminated the color Orange if the occupying player has made a wager to participate in the upcoming WBACG round, otherwise it is illuminated White.

During the play of the current game round, should a 1^(st) BBACG G, (i.e., paying slot machine credits to winning players), game, player or dealer hand receive one or more game cards projected by the system RNG for delivery in “Any Sequence” to a participating 1^(st) BBACG game or player hand, the illuminated surface color of the outside segment 232 will change from Orange to another color, preferably Yellow. When the dealer holds down a Pay Key (see 727 of FIG. 7) and then presses a numeric key (see 721 of FIG. 7) that corresponds to the seat occupied by the player receiving the winning hand the illuminated surface color of the outside segment 232 will change from Yellow to Red, indicating the settlement of the winning seat's 1^(st) BBACG hand is complete. Should a 1^(st) BBACG game, player or dealer hand receive one or more game cards projected by the system RNG to be delivered “in Sequence” to a participating BBACG game or player hand, the illuminated surface color of the outside segment 232 will change from Orange to another color, preferably Green and when the dealer holds down the Pay Key (see 727 of FIG. 7) and then presses a numeric key (see 721 of FIG. 7) that corresponds to the seat occupied by the player receiving the winning hand the illuminated surface color of the outside segment 232 will change from Green to Red, indicating the settlement of the winning seat's 1^(st) BBACG game hand is complete.

Slot machine credits won by 1^(st) BBACG players, at the option of the host casino, during a playing session may be automatically recorded, accrued and stored, at the end of each game round, stored by the system of the present invention; and when the system indicates slot machine credits 2070, payable to a winning 1^(st) BBACG player, have been accrued the surface color of the outside segment will illuminate a color, preferably, Lavender at the end of the 1^(st) BBACG round alerting the player and the game dealer that the player has won slot machine credits, and the total amount of the accumulated slot machine credits 2070 won during a playing session will be displayed on one or more monitors, preferably monitor (see 511 of FIG. 20) that is embedded in the game table top 210, at each player's designated seat\position, and coupled to the system of the present invention. When a player terminates his/her playing session at a game table offering a 1^(st) BBACG the dealer signals the system CG&PRS the player is leaving the game by deactivating the departing players seat/position by holding down the Seat Activate/Deactivate Key (see 730 of FIG. 7) and then pressing the numeric key(s) 721 corresponding to the seat occupied by the departing player. In the event that the departing player has won any slot machine credits that have been accumulated and stored on the system during the players play session, when the dealer terminates the player's seat/position at the game table the system printer 226 will automatically print out a TITO ticket, imprinted with the total amount and/or value of the accumulated slot machine credits won by the departing 1^(st) BBACG player, which the dealer will present to the player leaving the game, and the illuminated surface of the outside segment 232 of the housing 230 of the departing players seat will go dark, as will the center 231 of the housing 230.

When a game table seat is occupied by a game player who had qualified to participate in a 1^(st) BBACG round offering and the settlement of the 1^(st) BBACG round is complete, and the player has also qualified to participate in a 2^(nd) BBACG (i.e., BONUS BJ of THE HOUR (see 1842 of FIG. 18) during the same game round, and/or the player's hand is dealt the designated “BONUS BJ or THE HOUR” hand the outside segment 232 of the housing 230 surface will illuminate, preferably, a color (i.e., Pink), and when the settlement of a winning “BONUS BJ of THE HOUR” hand is complete the outside segment 232 of the housing 230 surface will change from the color Pink to another color, preferably Red indicating settlement of the winning hand. In the event the player has also qualified to participate in a 3^(rd) BBACG during the same game round, (i.e., “BONUS HAND of THE DAY” (see 1943 of FIG. 19) and the player's hand is dealt the “BONUS HAND or THE DAY”, the outside segment 232 of the housing 230 surface will illuminate another color, preferably Magenta. When the settlement of a winning “BONUS BJ of THE HOUR” hand is complete the outside segment 232 of the housing 230 surface will change from the color Magenta to another color, preferably, Red indicating settlement of the winning 3^(rd) BBACG hand.

Inside segment 232 of the segmented housing 230 is preferably illuminated White to indicate the presence of a player actively engaged in the play of the primary game, otherwise it is dedicated to monitoring the player's participation (seat/position) in a WBACG during the upcoming or current game round. The surface of the housing 230 is translucent. Contained within the inside segment 232 of the housing 230 is at least one Tri-Colored LED (not shown) and a ABRD (see 333 of FIG. 3) concealed within the center segment 232 beneath the surface of housing 230, preferably, (i.e., a Light Sensor or a RFID chip reader that communicates with a RFID chip embedded in each of the gaming chips that comprise the wager(s), to automatically identify the presence and/or amount of any side bet made to participate in the WBACG during an upcoming game round. When a game table seat is occupied by a game player who had qualified to participate in one or more WBACG rounds by making the primary game wager, and preferably the player has logged into the game using a PTC card issued to the player by the host casino or a casino associated with the host casino, the surface of the inside segment 232 of the housing 230 will be illuminated a color, preferably, i.e., Orange, as will the outside segment 231.

During the play of the current game round, should a WBACG game, player or dealer hand receive one or more game cards projected by the system RNG for delivery, in “Any Sequence”, to a participating WBACG game or player hand, the illuminated center 232 of housing 230 will change from one color to another, for example, Orange to, preferably, a Light Blue. When the settlement of the winning WBACG round concludes the illuminated center 232 of housing 230 will change from the color Light Blue to preferably, another color, for example, Red. Should a WBACG game, player or dealer hand receive one or more WBACG game cards projected by the system RNG to be delivered “in Sequence” to a participating WBACG game or player hand, the surface of the inside segment 232 of the housing 230 will change in color from Orange to, preferably another color, for example, Royal Blue. When the settlement of the winning WBACG round concludes the illuminated center 232 of housing 230 will change from the color Royal Blue to preferably another color, for example, Red.

For example, during the settlement of any game round in which a player has made a WGACG wager and has received one or more winning cards, the game dealer holds down the Pay Key (see 727 of FIG. 7) and then presses a numeric key (see 721 of FIG. 7) that corresponds to the seat occupied by the player receiving the winning hand. Subsequently the system printer 226 will automatically print a ticket imprinted with the value and/or description of the payout or prize won, which will be presented to the player occupying the seat receiving the winning hand. The ticket will be presented to the player by the game dealer or other employee of the host casino. Alternatively, the ticket will be delivered directly to the player by a printer located at the player's station.

In the event the payout is gaming chips, preferably, gaming chips can be delivered to the game player by the dealer, or as an alternative the value of any gaming chips won can be paid to the game player by means of the printer 226 printing a ticket to be presented to the game player by the game dealer, whereas at the discretion of the game player the ticket can be cashed out for cash at one or more designated stations, or at the casino's cashier cage; or the player may choose to redeem the value of the ticket by inserting it in one or more “Bill Acceptors” 229, coupled to a slot machine or to a table game under the control of the host casino or a casino associated with the host casino, programmed to read and accept TITO tickets issued to winning WBACG players. If the WBACG offers designated prizes other than cash to winning WBACG players and the actual prize is not presented to the player at the game table, the system can be programmed to issue a ticket imprinted with the description and/or value of the prize won. The player may redeem the TITO ticket at one or more designated stations located with the host casino or at a location remote to the host casino.

Contained beneath the surface of housing 230, is at least one ABRD 333. The task of the ABRD 333 preferably the RFID is a chip reader that communicates with a RFID chip embedded in each of the gaming chips used in the play of the game), is to signal the system RNG that the subject ABRD 333 has identified that the game player engaged in the play of the primary game has made a WBACG wager for the upcoming WBACG round by positioning the wager over the center segment 232 of a seat's designated housing 230. A processing unit 219 associated with the RNG responds to the betting information provided by the ABRD 333 by referring to the known card inventory, (as provided by the system scanner (not shown) software module), of a complete or depleted game deck from which the game cards for the upcoming game round are to be dealt. The system RNG selects at least one or more cards, preferably, prior to the commencement of the upcoming game round. Preferably the RNG also selects the card value and/or card rank and card suit and the delivery sequence of each of the two cards selected, which the RNG projects will be dealt from the top of the game deck and delivered to a game or player hand, having made a side wager to participate in the upcoming WBACG game round.

The system and method of the present invention identifies the number of active seats at a game table and the number of game, player and dealer hands that are to be dealt during the upcoming game round. This information is communicated to a processing unit and the RNG. Prior to the commencement of each game round the CG&PRS is acted upon by the processing unit 219 and the RNG generates a secondary hand for those active seats occupied by game players who have who have made a side bet to qualify to participate in an upcoming WBACG round; and/or to further identify those active seats occupied by game players who have qualified to participate in an upcoming BBACG round. In the event a player occupying an active game table seat has qualified to participate in the WGACG and one or more of the 1^(st) BBACG, 2^(nd) BBACG or 3^(rd) BBACG during the upcoming game round the RNG selects a card (preferably tow or more) from the deck's real time inventory, prior to the commencement of the upcoming game round. The cards are dealt from the top of the game deck and delivered to a game or player hand, having made a side wager to participate in the upcoming WBACG game round and/or logging into the game table by means of a PTC to qualify to participate in the upcoming 1^(st) BBACG round. The cards selected by the RNG for the upcoming game round may be common to both the WGACG and the 1^(st) BBACG. Concurrently an image of each card selected/projected by the RNG is displayed on one or more monitors 223. The monitors 223 may be embedded in the game table top 210 or located in full view of the game players. The monitors 223 may be in communication with the system according to one embodiment of the present invention. As the game is being played a scanner (not shown) identifies each card removed from the deck that is actually delivered to a game or player hand. The information identified may include the card value and/or card rank, card suit and the delivery sequence of each card dealt from the top of the game deck and delivered to one or more game or player hands during the play of the current game round. The information may be stored in memory.

The cards selected/projected for delivery to one active seat's player or game hand may be the same or different from one active seat's player or game hand to another during the play of a WBACG round, and/or a 1^(st) BBACG round. When a secondary game round is completed the system identifies those active seats that have received one or more winning secondary card game hands for a secondary card game played during the current game round. The system verifies the customer occupying an active game table had qualified to play the secondary game and authenticates the cards delivered to the winning hand. The authentication step comprises software instructions comparing the cards projected to be delivered with the cards the scanner has identified as actually being dealt to a participating secondary card game player's hand during the current game round. When the system determines that one or more of the projected game cards and the game cards actually delivered to a game hand match, the win is authenticated. The projected cards and real cards are color coded to further identify the type(s) of winning game hand(s) the secondary game player has received, (i.e., a WBACG game hand, a 1^(st) BBACG game hand, a 2^(nd) BBACG game hand and/or a 3^(rd) BBACG game hand).

Preferably, the system will automatically calculate and display the correct payout, (i.e., cash or prize), for each winning auxiliary game or player hand. When a 1^(st) BBACG and a WBACG games are played simultaneously by the same player during the same game round, the cards projected by the system RNG for delivery to a game or player hand and the cards that are actually delivered to a game or player hand are used to determine the outcome of both the 1^(st) BBACG round and the WBACG round. Preferably, the system RNG will not be used to project the cards that will comprise the 2^(nd) BBACG game hand, (i.e., “BONUS BJ of THE HOUR” and/or a 3^(rd) BBACG game hand, (i.e., “BONUS HAND of THE DAY”). Preferably, 2^(nd) BBACG and/or 3^(rd) BBACG game hands will be predetermined and/or dictated, at the sole discretion of the host casino's management and preprogrammed into the system software.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a top view of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. A RFID PTC Reader 411, is in communication with a processing unit 219, preferably by wire or wireless means preferably is positioned beneath the game table layout 111 and/or under each game table seat number 117, to provide a means for a new player, possessing a RFID PTC to automatically log into the game table when the player waves and/or positions his/her RFID PTC card over, or in close proximity to the RFID PTC Reader. The system opens a customer Year-To-Date file maintained on a host casino's processing unit 219 mainframe computer associated with the customers RFID PTC card. When the player terminates his/her play the game dealer will use one or more keyboards, for example, 220 or 221 in communication with the system to deactivate the seat vacated by the departing player and the electronic file associated with the departing player's RFID PTC will be closed. A ABRD 333, preferably, a RFID Chip Reader 410, is configured to read gaming chips and is embedded with a RFID Chip, coupled to the system processing unit 219 by wire or wireless means. The ABRD 333 is in communication with and is positioned beneath the game table layout 111 preferably there is one RFID Chip Reader 410 for each game table seat's betting box 116 designated for the primary or primary game wagers. All other elements are as previously described.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a top view of an intelligent game table top 210 identifying elements of one embodiment of the present invention. A housing 510 for Virtual or Video Slot Machine and Monitor 511 is embedded in the game table top, whereas the housing 510 and Virtual or Video Slot Machine and Monitor 511 communicates with the system processing unit 219 by wire or wireless means. Element 210, 510, 511 and 219 may also be in communication to one or more progressive slot machines monitored by a network under the control, or associated with, the host casino. All other elements are as previously described.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a top view of a Baccarat game table top 610 with supporting elements according to one embodiment of the current invention is illustrated. An imprinted Baccarat game table layout 611 is imprinted with a seat number 616 for each seat available at the game table whereas each seat is assigned a designated Play Area 615, (which includes a designated area for the player to place a wager on the PLAYERS HAND 617 p, a designated area for each player to place a wager on the BANKERS HAND 617 b, a designated area for each player, at the option of the player, to place, a Tie 617 t wager that the outcome of the PLAYER HAND 617 p and BANKERS HANDS 617 b for the upcoming game round will end in Tie HANDS, RFID Chip Readers 630 p, 630 b, and 630 t that communicates with a RFID Chip embedded in each of the gaming chips used at the game table, and at least one LCD 623 a). A Chip Rack 614 imprinted commission boxes 627 for the dealer(s) to place “Lamers”, (non negotiable chips) used to keep track of commissions owed by game players having placed winning wagers on the BANKERS HAND 617 b during the play of the game is also provided. A “Lamer Rack” 627 a to store the “Lamers”, a Drop Box Slot 613, a Discard Card Can Slot 612, and a Dealers Tip Can Slot 628 is also provided. Also illustrated is three (3) Dealer Stations, i.e., (a 1^(st) Dealer Station D1, (i.e., the Callers station), a 2^(nd) Dealer Station D2 and a 3^(rd) Dealer Station D3); and a processing unit 619. A Card Dispensing Shoe 622 for dispensing cards and one or more monitors 623 are associated with the game table 610. At least one monitor 623 a is embedded in the game table top 610 and positioned within each seat's designated Play Area 615. Also associated with the game table 610 are one or more Keyboards w/Display, (i.e., a 1^(st) Keyboard 620, a 2^(nd) Keyboard 620 a and a 3^(rd) Keyboard 620 b), one or more printers, (i.e., a 1^(st) TITO printer 626, a 2^(nd) TITO printer 626 a and a 3^(rd) TITO printer 626 b), one or more “Bill Acceptors” 629, at least one segmented housing 624 p which is positioned, immediately adjacent to the outside of each seat's designated Play Area 615. A segmented housing 624 identifies when a player occupying a seat has by one or more means qualified to play a BBACG round and/or the player has placed a side wager to qualify to play a WBACG game round. During the play of an upcoming Baccarat game round when the game player has placed a wager on a PLAYERS HAND 617 p, BANKERS HAND 617 b OR TIE 617 t and at least one segmented housing 624 b is positioned immediately adjacent to the outside of each seat's designated Play Area 615, to identify when the player occupying the seat has by one or more means qualified to play a BBACG round. Alternatively the player can place a side wager to qualify to play a WBACG game round during the play of an upcoming Baccarat game round. The game player places a wager on either the BANKERS HAND 617 b, PLAYERS H617 p and or TIE 617 t for the upcoming Baccarat game round wherein the wager is detected by a RFID Chip Reader 630 p. A chip embedded in each of the gaming chips. A sensor, preferably a RFID chip reader, is positioned beneath each seat's designated area for the player to place a wager on the PLAYERS HAND 617 p, BANKERS HAND 617 b OR TIE 617 t. A designated area for the placement of the PLAYERS HAND 631 and the BANKERS HAND 632, to be placed faced-up by the game Caller D1 during the play of the game are imprinted on the game table top. All electrical components attached to, carried by or embedded in the Intelligent Game Top 610 of the present invention communicate with a processing unit 619 by wire or wireless means.

The game of Baccarat is unique in that regardless of how many players are engaged in the play of the game (i.e., typically one (1) to nine (9) players when played at a Mini-Baccarat table (not shown), and one (1) to fourteen (14) players when played at a Big-Baccarat table 610), only two game hands are dealt during a game round a PLAYERS HAND and a BANKERS HAND which are common to all of the players engaged in the play of the game. All game players have the option of wagering on either the PLAYERS HAND or the BANKERS HAND during the play of a game round. The minimum number of cards that may comprise a Baccarat hand is two (2), and the maximum number of cards that may comprise a Baccarat hand are three (3).

During the play of a Baccarat game round the 1^(st) and 3^(rd) cards removed from the shoe 622 are designated by the game rules as the original two-cards that will ultimately be delivered to (the PLAYERS HAND), the 1^(st) Dealer D1, the Caller. The caller will position them face-up on the game table in the area designated for the placement and viewing of the PLAYERS HAND 631. The 2^(nd) and 4^(th) cards removed from the shoe 622 during a game round are designated by the game rules as the original two-cards that will ultimately be delivered to the 1^(st) Dealer D1, the Caller. The caller will position them face-up on the game table in the area designated for the placement and viewing of the BANKERS HAND 632. When the original two cards comprising both the PLAYERS and the BANKERS HANDS have been placed faced-up, the Caller calls the score of the PLAYERS HAND and the BANKERS HAND. If the score of the original two cards dealt to the PLAYERS HAND or the BANKERS HAND is eight (8) or nine (9), no additional cards will be dealt to either HAND. The game round is over and the Caller announces its outcome. If the score of the original two cards dealt to the PLAYERS HAND and the BANKERS HAND is less than eight (8) the PLAYERS HAND and/or the BANKERS HAND will draw a 3^(rd) and final card, or stand, according to Baccarat's 3^(rd) Card Rule. When the final 3^(rd) Card for the game round is dealt the 1^(st) Dealer D1 will call the results of the game round. For example, the PLAYERS have Seven (7) the BANK has Six (6) . . . the PLAYERS win. Pay the PLAYERS!) The base Dealer, the 2^(nd) Dealer D2 and the 3^(rd) Dealer D3, primary responsibilities are to issue gaming chips to the game players in exchange for cash, or other negotiable instruments such as “casino markers”, and to “Pay and Take” winning and losing wagers during the settlement of a game round. The Caller, the 1^(st) Dealer D1 may also engage in these activities. The game of Baccarat as described herein is a contest between two game hands; 1) the PLAYERS HAND and 2) the BANKERS HAND. Both game hands are common to all players seated at the Baccarat game table, and all players engaged in the play of a Baccarat game round may wager on either the PLAYERS HAND or the BANKERS HAND to win, and/or place a Tie wager.

When a card game player is engaged in the play of a Baccarat game round at a Baccarat game table associated with a system and method of the embodiment of the present invention, instructions the software associated with an automatic bet recognition devices 630 p and 630 b carried by the Baccarat game table top 610 identifies what game hand, the PLAYERS HAND or the BANKERS HAND, each game player has chosen to wager on and the amount of the wagers, during an upcoming game round. Each seats Play Area 615 contains a Betting Area for the placement of wagers on the PLAYERS HAND and a ABRD 630 p may be embedded in the game table top 610 beneath each seats Betting Area to identify the presence and amount of the wagers for the PLAYERS HAND. Each seats Play Area 615 contains a Betting Area for the placement of wagers on the BANKERS HAND. A ABRD 630 b is embedded in the game table top 610 beneath each seats Betting Area to identify the presence and amount of the wagers for the BANKERS HAND. Each seats Play Area 615 contains a Betting Area for the placement of wager that the PLAYERS HAND and the BANKERS HAND will TIE during the upcoming game round. A ABRD 630 t is embedded in the game table top 610 beneath each seats Betting Area to identify the presence and amount of the TIE wagers.

When a secondary card game (i.e., a 1^(st) BBACG G, a 2^(nd) BBACG G, a 3^(rd) BBACG and/or a WBACG) is played at a, (i.e., Blackjack table), preferably, the game table 610 is fitted with a segmented housing 230 to monitor the play of the secondary card game. When the secondary card game is played at a Baccarat game table 610, preferably, the game table 610 is fitted with two segmented housings, (i.e., 624 p and 624 b), identical to segmented housing (see 230 of FIG. 3), with two exceptions: 1) segmented housing 624 p is imprinted with the letter “P” to guide the game players in the placements of side bets on the PLAYERS HAND and to indicate its dedication to monitoring the outcome of the secondary auxiliary card games associated with a Baccarat player who has placed a wager that the PLAYERS HAND will beat the BANKERS HAND during the play of the upcoming game round; and 2) segmented housing 624 b is imprinted with the letter “B”, to guide the game players in the placements of side bets on the BANKERS HAND, and to indicate its dedication to monitoring the outcome of the auxiliary card games associated with a Baccarat player who has placed a wager that the BANKERS HAND will beat the PLAYERS HAND during the play of the upcoming game round.

During the play of a Baccarat game round a player occupying an active seat, preferably, may place a WBACG round wager on one or both segmented housings 624 p and 624 b when the player has also made the minimum required wager on either the PLAYERS HAND or the BANKERS hand for the current game round.

During the play of a Baccarat game round a player occupying an active seat, preferably, cannot qualify by any means to participate in a BBACG round for both the PLAYERS HAND and BANKERS HAND during the same game round. When a Baccarat player has qualified to participate in one or more of the BBACG during a game round the player's participation in the BBACG rounds will only be applicable to the game hand, the PLAYERS HAND or the BANKERS HAND, on which the player has placed a wager for the upcoming Baccarat game round. A Baccarat player who has placed a wager on the PLAYERS HAND for the upcoming game round and has also qualified to participate in one or more BBACG during the upcoming game round will have the outside segment 231 of segmented housing 624 p will be activated to monitor the BBACG games in which the player has qualified to participate for the upcoming game round. The outside segment 231 of housing 624 b will not be activated during the play of the upcoming game round. However, in the event the Baccarat player placed a WBACG wager on the BANKERS HAND for the upcoming game round the center segment 232 of housing 624 b will be activated to monitor the WBACG during the play of the upcoming game round.

When a Baccarat game table seat is activated, the center segment(s) 232 of both segmented housings, 624 p and 624 b, assigned to the activated seat, preferably will illuminate White. When the ABRD 333 of housing 624 p detects the presence of a WBACG the center segment 232 of 624 p will illuminate another color preferably Orange. When the ABRD 333 of housing 624 b detects the presence of a WBACG the center segment 232 of 624 b will illuminate a color, preferably Orange. Preferably, when a WBACG is offered at a Baccarat table, one of the embodiments of the present invention and when at least one active primary game player has made the minimum bet required to participate in a upcoming Baccarat game round, other players seated at an activated game table seat do not have to make the minimum primary game wager as a prerequisite to being eligible to make a WBACG wager on the PLAYERS HAND or the BANKERS HAND for an upcoming Baccarat game round (i.e., currently Baccarat players may make a TIE bet without making a bet on the PLAYERS HAND or the BANKERS HAND during the play of a Baccarat game round.) When playing the game of Baccarat the first prerequisite, if the player wishes to qualify to participate in one or more BBACG rounds, for the player is that he/she is required to make the minimum bet required on the PLAYERS HAND or the BANKERS HAND to participate in the primary Baccarat game round.

When at least one Baccarat game player has made the required minimum wager for the upcoming Baccarat game round and one or more players seated at the game table at an active seat have also made a wager to participate in the upcoming WBACG wager, the dealer D1 presses the Deal Key (not shown) integrated into Keyboard 620 to initiate the commencement of the upcoming game round and subsequently triggering the system's automatic bet recognition device. The device is on communication with a processing unit 619 that can record and store in memory the presence and/or amounts of any primary game wagers and/or WBACG side bets wagered by each player for the upcoming game round.

When the Deal Key (not shown) integrated into Keyboard 620 is pressed, and the ABRD 333 of housing 624 p and/or 624 b does not detect the presence of a wager for the upcoming WBACG round at an active seat, the translucent surface of the center segment 232 of a active seat's housing 624 p and/or 624 b will remain illuminated White. When the system detects the presence and/or the amount of a wager for the upcoming WBACG round the translucent surface of the center segment 232 of a active seat's housing 624 p and/or 624 b will be illuminated a color preferably Orange. At this point the game dealer(s) D2 and D3 pick up any WBACG bets and places them in the chip tray 614 and the translucent surface of the center segment 232 of the appropriate housing 624 p or housing 624 b for those active seats having made a WBACG bet for the current Baccarat game round will remain illuminated Orange. Concurrently, the RNG will automatically select/project from the inventory of the cards comprising the game deck prior to the removal of the first card from the deck for delivery to the PLAYERS HAND at least two cards. The cards selected will be displayed face-up on one or more monitors 623 associated with an active game table seat when the game player(s) occupying the active seat has made the minimum required wager to participate in the primary game and are qualified for a BBACG round. Preferably, the cards projected by the RNG for delivery to a BBACG round and/or a WBACG round participant are displayed on the participating player's monitor 623 a positioned in the secondary game players Play Area 615. The dealer then proceeds to deliver the cards from the game deck to the PLAYERS HAND and to the BANKERS HAND.

During the play of a Baccarat game round, when a player has wagered on the PLAYERS HAND for the current WBACG round and the PLAYERS HAND receives one or more game cards projected by the system RNG for delivery in “Any Sequence” to the PLAYERS HAND, the illuminated center 232 of housing 624 p will change from the color Orange to preferably Light Blue. When the winning “Any Sequence” hand is paid the illuminated center 232 of the housing 624 p will change from the color Light Blue to preferably Red indicating settlement of the winning hand. When a player has wagered on the PLAYERS HAND for the current WBACG round and the PLAYERS HAND receives one or more game cards projected by the system RNG for delivery “in Sequence” to the PLAYERS HAND, the illuminated center 232 of housing 624 p will change from the color Orange to preferably Royal Blue. When the winning “In Sequence” hand is paid the illuminated center 232 of the housing 624 b will change from the color Royal Blue to preferably Red indicating settlement of the winning hand.

During the play of a Baccarat game round, when a player has wagered on the BANKERS HAND for the current WBACG round and the BANKERS HAND receives one or more game cards projected by the system RNG for delivery in “Any Sequence” to the BANKERS HAND, the illuminated center 232 of housing 624 b will change from the color Orange to preferably Light Blue. When the winning “Any Sequence” hand is paid the illuminated center 232 of the housing 624 b will change from the color Light Blue to preferably Red indicating settlement of the winning hand. When a player has wagered on the BANKERS HAND for the current WBACG round and the BANKERS HAND receives one or more game cards projected by the system RNG for delivery “In Sequence” to the BANKERS HAND, the illuminated center 232 of housing 624 b will change from the color Orange to preferably Royal Blue. When the winning “In Sequence” hand is paid the illuminated center 232 of the housing 624 b will change from the color Royal Blue to preferably Red indicating settlement of the winning hand.

Preferably, the amount of any pay outs or bonus awards payable to winning WBACG and BBACG players playing at a Baccarat table 610 will be arbitrarily determined by the game table operator and preprogrammed into the system. The system of the current invention will automatically identify winning and losing BBACG and WBACG hands and display the seat/position number and amount and/or description of any pay outs or bonus awards payable to players having winning auxiliary game hands on one or more monitors in communication with the system. Alternatively, the pay outs or bonus awards payable to winning WBACG and/or 1^(st) BBACG players may be based on the true odds for the cards remaining in the deck inventory prior to the commencement of the current game round.

At the end of each game round a processing unit 619 of the system will compare the card value, card suit and delivery sequence of at least one card selected/projected for delivery to each game hand during the upcoming game round by the system RNG to the card value, card suit and delivery sequence of the card(s) scanner has identified as actually being dealt to each game, player or dealer hand during the play of the current game round. The system will use this information to automatically identify winning and losing secondary game hands for the current game round and calculate and/or display the winnings to be paid to the winning auxiliary game player(s). During the settlement of an secondary game round, preferably, the game dealers settle the primary game wagers first, starting with the highest numbered seat and then continuing in descending order to the lowest active seat. Dealer D2 will execute the settlement of winning Baccarat game wagers and winning WBACG wagers, paid in casino chips, for seats 1-7, and Dealer D3 will execute the settlement of winning Baccarat game wagers and winning WBACG wagers, paid in casino chips, for seats 8-15.

In a preferred embodiment, the game dealers are engaged in the settlement of winning Baccarat game wagers and winning WBACG wagers which are paid in casino chips. The system automatically identifies winning secondary game hands not payable in gaming chips, and will automatically calculate and/or display the amount won, or a description of the award won. The system will then automatically activate the appropriate printer(s) (printer 626 a is the dedicated printer for Seats 7-1 and Printer 626 b is the dedicated printer for 15-8 and printer 626 can be programmed to override printers 626 a and/or 626 b and print out winning tickets for all or selected seats), preferably winning buckets will be distributed, starting with the highest numbered seat and then continuing in descending order to the lowest active seat. Preferably, each ticket may be imprinted with table, game and player information which may include the name of the casino, the game table number, the name of the game being played, the amount of the WBACG side bet wagered, the amount, value or description of any pay out or award due the winning game hand, seat or player, the number of the seat receiving the winning WBACG auxiliary game card(s), the card value, card rank and card suit and delivery sequence of cards delivered to the winning game hand, the name of the player if the player has been logged into the game by means of a Player Tracking Card, the date and time that the ticket was printed and instructions for redemption of the TITO ticket by the player, etc. When a ticket for winning WBACG hand is being printed the center segment 232 will illuminate a color preferably Red and/or pulsate. When printed the game dealer will remove the ticket from the printer and hand it to the winning player. When a winning seat's ticket has finished printing, the corresponding seats color coded winning hand indicator light will cease pulsating and illuminate Red alerting the dealer that the winning ticket has finished printing and is ready for presentation to the winning player.

Preferably the winning tickets for seats having won more than one secondary card game during the current game round will be printed in the following order: the winning WBACG hand, the winning 1^(st) BBACG hand, the winning 2^(nd) BBACG hand and the 3^(rd) BBACG hand. When printer 626, 626 a and/or 626 b finishes printing out all winning tickets payable to a game player or game hand (i.e., Seat 7 or Seat 15), having received one or more winning cards that are applicable to one or more secondary games played during the just completed game round the printer will signal the game dealer by means of a visual or audible alert that all winning auxiliary game TITO ticket(s) for the game player (i.e., Seat 7 or Seat 15) have been printed. The printers 626 a and 626 b will automatically continue the settlement of the secondary game rounds by advancing, in descending order, to the next lowest numbered active seat, (i.e., Seat 5 or Seat 12), at the game table that has received a winning auxiliary game hand for one or more auxiliary games played during the just completed game round. Dealer D2 will remove the winning TITO tickets from printer 626 a and present them to the winning player, (i.e., Seat 7), and Dealer D3 will remove the winning TITO tickets from printer 626 b and present them to the winning player, (i.e., Seat 15) and etc.

Alternatively the game dealers may use Keyboards 620, 620 a and/or 620 b to manually activate printers 626, 626 a and/or 626 b to print out TITO tickets, in settlement of one or more winning auxiliary game hands received by individual game players.

If the game table operator chooses to pay winning WBACG players playing at a Baccarat table, their pay outs based on the “true odds” of a hand being dealt one or more cards from the cards comprising the game deck, then the number of game, player and/or dealer hands to be dealt during the upcoming game round, and the card value, card rank and suit of each of the cards comprising the deck's card inventory is information useful for the system. The amount of any pay offs due winning BBACG and/or WBACG hands will be automatically calculated by the system software and the results will be displayed on one or more monitors 623 coupled one embodiment of the present invention at the conclusion of the current game round. Alternatively, the “true odds” of one or more cards being projected for delivery to a game, player or dealer hand can be pre-calculated and stored in memory and the appropriate pay out(s) for winning auxiliary game hands can be selected from the system memory and displayed on one or more displays coupled to the system of the current invention at the conclusion of each game round.

A base game player may log into the game table by means of a PTC issued to the player by the host casino or by a casino associated with the host casino. When the game dealer presses the Deal Key (not shown) preferably carried by Keyboard 620 signaling the system that the game round is to commence, the outside segment 231 of housing 624 p or housing 624 b assigned to the seat occupied by the player, logging into the game by means of a PTC will illuminate preferably a color, for example Orange. The color indicates that the player occupying the seat associated with either housing 624 p or housing 624 b has qualified to participate in one or more of the 1^(st) BBACG, 2^(nd) BBACG or 3^(rd) BBACG rounds during the upcoming game round and the player has also placed the minimum bet, required to participate in the upcoming Baccarat game round, on either the PLAYERS HAND or the BANKERS HAND.

When a player has wagered on the PLAYERS HAND for a current Baccarat game round and the player has logged into the game table by means a casino PTC card a game dealer presses the Deal Key (not shown). The Deal Key is carried by Keyboard 620. The Deal Key signals the system that the game round is to commence and the outside segment 231 of housing 624 p or housing 624 b assigned to the seat occupied by the player, will illuminate, preferably a color for example, Orange. The illuminated outside segment 231 indicates that the player occupying the seat associated with either housing 624 p or housing 624 b has also qualified to participate in a 1^(st) BBACG round during the upcoming game round and the player has also placed the minimum bet required to participate in the upcoming Baccarat game round on either the PLAYERS HAND or the BANKERS HAND. If the PLAYERS HAND receives one or more game cards projected by the system RNG for delivery in “Any Sequence” to the PLAYERS HAND, the illuminated outside segment 231 of housing 624 p will change from the color Orange to preferably Light Blue. When the winning “Any Sequence” hand is paid the illuminated outside segment 231 of the housing 624 p will change from the color Light Blue to preferably Red indicating settlement of the winning hand. When a player has wagered on the PLAYERS HAND for the current Baccarat round and the PLAYERS HAND receives one or more game cards projected by the system RNG for delivery “in Sequence” to the PLAYERS HAND, the illuminated outside segment 231 of housing 624 p will change from the color Orange to preferably Royal Blue. When the winning “In Sequence” hand is paid the illuminated outside segment 231 of the housing 624 b will change from the color Royal Blue to preferably Red indicating settlement of the winning hand.

Similarly during the play of a Baccarat game round, when a player has wagered on the BANKERS HAND for the current Baccarat game round and the player has logged into the game table by means a casino PTC card the player has qualified to participate in a 1^(st) BBACG round. If the BANKERS HAND receives one or more game cards projected by a RNG for delivery in “Any Sequence” to the BANKERS HAND, the illuminated outside segment 231 of housing 624 b will change from the color Orange to preferably Yellow. When the winning “Any Sequence” hand is paid the illuminated outside segment 231 of the housing 624 b will change from the color Yellow to another color preferably Red indicating settlement of the winning hand. When a player has wagered on the BANKERS HAND for the current Baccarat round and the player has logged into the game by means of a PTC card issued to the player by the host casino or a casino associated with the host casino and the BANKERS HAND receives one or more game cards projected by the system RNG for delivery “in Sequence” to the BANKERS HAND, the illuminated outside segment 231 of housing 624 b will change from the color Orange to preferably Green. When the winning “In Sequence” hand is paid the illuminated outside segment 231 of the housing 624 b will change from the color Green to preferably Red indicating settlement of the winning hand.

Preferably, the amount and value of any slot machine credits payable to winning 1^(st) BBACG players will be arbitrarily determined by the game table operator and entered into the system.

Preferably, 1^(st) BBACG players who have qualified, by means of a PTC to participate in a 1^(st) BBACG round who are dealt winning game hands during a 1^(st) BBACG round will be awarded slot machine credits that are playable on one or more virtual, real or video slot machines located within the host casino, or within a remote casino associated with the host casino. Alternatively, qualified 1^(st) BBACG players may be paid cash or any prize or award having a cash value. Preferably, qualified 1^(st) BBACG players having received one or more winning cards during simultaneous play of a Baccarat game round and the play of a 1^(st) BBACG round are paid by means of a ticket printed by the printer(s) 626, 626 a and 626 b. The printer(s) 623, 626 a and 626 b are located in close proximity to the game dealer(s) D1, D2 and D3, and when the printer(s) 626, 626 a and 626 b have completed the printing of a TITO ticket the game dealer(s) present the ticket to the winning player.

For example, at the conclusion of a 1^(st) BBACG round, in which one or more winning game cards have been dealt to participating 1^(st) BBACG players, the game dealer by means of a Keyboard 620 in communication with a processing unit 619 associated with table 610, holds down the Pay Key (see 727 of FIG. 7) presses, in descending order, one at a time, the numeric key(s) identical to the seat(s) to which one or more winning 1^(st) BBACG cards has been dealt. The system printer 626 prints out a ticket imprinted with table, game and player information which may include the game table number, the name of the game being played, the number of the seat receiving the winning 1^(st) BBACG hand, the name of the player to which the PTC was issued the amount, value or description of any pay out or award due the winning game hand, seat or player, the card value, card suit and delivery sequence of cards delivered to the winning game hand, the date and time that the ticket was printed and instructions for redemption of the TITO ticket by the player. As each ticket for winning 1^(st) BBACG G, (and 2^(nd) BBACG and 3^(rd) BBACG), hands are printed the game dealer will remove the ticket from the printer 626 and hand it to the winning player. When the system recognizes that the settlement of all winning WBACG and BBACG hands has been completed the center segment 232 and outside 231 segments of the housing 230 will be reset and illuminated for example, White.

Referring now to FIG. 7, one embodiment of a shoe 722 is illustrated. A housing for the shoe 723 wherein the shoe 722 and any electronics carried by the shoe 722 are coupled by wire or wireless means to the system processing unit 219 and scanner (not shown). Removable Cover 724 covers the decks (not shown) carried by the shoe 722 during the play of the game. The Shuffle Key 728 illuminates a color preferably Red when the shoe 722 is empty or when the cards comprising a game deck have been removed from the shoe 722. The Shuffle Key 728 is pressed by the game dealer when a new deck is placed in the shoe and illuminates a second color, preferably Green, signaling system applications that the game decks inventory is that of a full or complete game deck. The Burn Key 729 illuminates a color, preferably Orange, when a freshly shuffled deck is placed in the shoe 722 indicating that the game rules, pre-programmed into the system software, require one or more cards to be removed from the top of the deck and burned (removed from play and placed face down in the discard rack (not shown) without being exposed to the game players or the game dealer. When the requisite number of card(s) designated by the game rules have been removed from the shoe 722 and burned, the Burn Key 729 illuminates a color, preferably Green, indicating that the next card removed from the shoe 722 is to be delivered to a seat, game, player or dealer hand that has been manually activated by the game dealer by means of the system keyboard (not shown) or the keypad 721 carried by the shoe 722 or automatically activated by means of the player logging into the game table using a PTC issued to the player by the host casino, or a casino associated with the host casino.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the game rules are programmed into the system, which receives information input into the system manually or automatically prior to the commencement of each game round to identify each seat at the game table occupied by a player actively engaged in the play of the game. The information provides the system with the ability to know what seat, game, or player hand are to be dealt a game or player hand during the upcoming game round. This information is shared with the RNG software application(s).

When one or more cards that have been removed from the deck are inadvertently exposed and the game supervisor authorizes the game dealer to place the exposed card(s) in the discard rack (see 112 of FIG. 5), the dealer holds down the Zero Key 726 and presses a numeric key corresponding to the seat number to which the subject exposed card was designated for delivery, releases the Zero Key 726, then holds down the Burn Key 729 and presses one or more numeric key (i.e., 0-9) having the same card value as the value of the exposed card(s) assigned to the subject seat by the system software that are to be removed from play, and then releases the Burn Key 729. Ten valued cards are entered into the system by holding down the Burn Key 729 and then pressing the Zero Key 726.

Numeric Keys 1-7 are color coded to assist the game dealer in identifying the status of each seat and or at least one action taken by a game player during the play of the game, for example Seats 1, 731 & Seat 7, 731 are dark, this indicates that Seats 1 and 7 are not occupied by any player engaged in the play of the Primary Game. Each of the keypad 721 keys houses at least one Tri-Colored LED (not shown). When Numeric Key 2 731 a is illuminated, preferably White, this indicates that Seat 2 has been activated to identify Seat 2 as being occupied by a player engaged in the play of the Primary Game. When Numeric Key 3 731 b is illuminated preferably the color Orange, this indicates that Seat 3 has logged into the Primary Game by means of a PCT card, or has achieved at least one other criteria determined by the casino, and is eligible to participate in one or more BBACG rounds during the play of the game.

For example, when Numeric Key 4 731 c is illuminated, preferably the color Green, this indicates that Seat 4 is occupied by a player engaged in the play of the Primary Game; however the player has chosen not to engage in the play of the current game round and is designated as a Sit Out seat.

Numeric Key 5 731 d is illuminated preferably the color Blue, indicating that Seat 5 is occupied by a player engaged in the play of the Primary Game. The player has made a side bet to participate in the WBACG for the upcoming game round.

Numeric Key 6 731 e is illuminated oscillating preferably between the colors Blue and Orange, indicating that Seat 6 has made a side bet to participate in the upcoming WBACG game round and to further identify the player as having qualified to participate in one or more BBACG rounds for the upcoming game round.

Numeric Key Zero (0) 726, aka ten (10) card value key, when held down and the dealer presses a numeric key corresponding to a game table seat number for which a card(s) has been inadvertently exposed, will illuminate a color preferably Light Green. The dealer then releases the Zero and numeric keys whereby the dealer then holds down the Burn Key 729 and presses one or more numeric keys having the same card value as the value of the designated seats exposed card(s) that are to be removed from play, and then releases the Burn Key 729.

Seat Activation/Deactivation Key 730 is held down by the game dealer while pressing the appropriate numeric key (i.e., 1-7) to activate a corresponding game table seat when the game player has not logged into the game table by means of a PTC card. The Seat Activation/Deactivation Key 730 is held down by the game dealer while pressing the appropriate numeric key (i.e., 1-7) to deactivate a corresponding active game table seat having been occupied by a game player who has or has not logged into the game table by means of a PTC card when the player has left the game. When the Activation/ Deactivation Key 730 is used to terminate a customer's play at the game table and in the event that the departing player has any slot machine credits accumulated by means of participating in a BBACG game, the printer (not shown) will automatically print out a ticket in the amount of the credits due the departing player which the game dealer will give to the player. A retaining wall 732 at the front of shoe 722 with card outlet 733 is also illustrated.

The Deal Key 725 is pressed by the game dealer after all bets, Primary and WBACG, have been made for the upcoming game round to activate the ABRD. The ABRD devices can be activated when the system applications detect that a first card is removed from the top of the game deck for delivery to a game or player hand during the upcoming game round.

At anytime between game rounds that a game player having accrued slot machine credits or other winnings that have not been previously collected, the dealer will hold down the Pay Key 727 and then press the numeric key corresponding to the seat having the accrued winnings. The system printer (not shown) will print out a ticket to be presented to the player. All other elements are as previously described.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a monitor 223 attached to a game table is illustrated according to one embodiment of the present invention. A monitor 223 displays an example name for a WBACG, (i.e., “Random Match 21”) 842 and game Table Number 844 at which the WBACG is being played. The display indicates to the game players including the game dealer that the cards projected 846 and 847 by the system RNG are specific to the BJ Table 23 844 and Seat 4 845 occupied by a game player who has made a side bet prior to the commencement of an upcoming game round to participate in the upcoming WBACG round.

An example Payout Schedule 848 is displayed for a WBACG. A Card Suit Indicator Symbol 854 (CSIS) colored RED or BLACK is also displayed. Prior to the commencement of a WBACG game round, any card(s) 846 and 847 projected by the RNG for delivery to a game, player or dealer hand will, preferably, be displayed face up. Each projected card(s) Card Suit Indicator Symbol, (CSIS) 854 will be appropriately colored Red (Hearts or Diamonds) or BLACK (Clubs or Spades), as will the CSIS 854 of one or more cards 950 and/or 951 actually delivered to a game, player or dealer hand.

An example Screen for WBACG Payout Schedule 864 is displayed for winning card combinations and dollar value of gaming chips 848 awarded to winning WBACG players. At the discretion of the casino operator, winning WBACG game players may be awarded items of value other than casino chips. All screens are applicable for use on all monitors (see 223 of FIG. 2, 511 of FIG. 5 and 623 a of FIG. 6). Prior to the delivery of the first card to a active game table seat's game or player hand, the occupying player will have been qualified to participate in the upcoming WBACG game round. The system RNG projects and displays the cards selected for delivery to each of the qualified active game table seat's game or player hands during the upcoming game round on one or more monitors (not shown) coupled to the system. The card(s) projected 846 and 847 by the system RNG are displayed, preferably, face up.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a WBACG game according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. BJ Table 23 844 and Seat 4 845 are displayed indicating to the game players and the game dealer that the cards projected 846 and 847 by the system RNG are specific to that game table seat for the upcoming game round. Further the graphic image(s) 950 and 951 represent real cards identified by the scanner (not shown) as being actually delivered to that specific game table's seat during the current game round. A player qualifies for WBACG by placing a side wager over the center segment 232 of segmented housing 230. A graphic image of the 1st Card 846 including card value and/or card rank, card suit and delivery sequence is projected by the system RNG for delivery to BJ Table 23 846 and Seat 4 847 occupied by a player who has made a side bet to participate in the WBACG during the play of the upcoming game round. A graphic image of the 2nd Card 847, including card value and/or card rank, card suit and delivery sequence is projected by the system RNG for delivery to the specified WBACG game table's seat during the upcoming game round. The WBACG color-coded Matched Card(s) Received Indicator (MCRI) 949, is illuminated preferably a color Orange, prior to the commencement of a game round. The WBACG MCRI 949 is, illuminated preferably a color Light Blue when during the play of a WBACG game round, a game, player or dealer hand has actually received one or more cards 950 and/or 951 that match the cards 846 and/or 847 projected by the system RNG for delivery to a game, player or dealer hand in “Any Sequence” during the upcoming game round. The WBACG MCRI 949 is illuminated preferably another color Royal Blue, when during the play of a WBACG game round, a game, player or dealer hand has received one or more cards 950 and/or 951 that match the cards 846 and/or 847 projected by the system RNG for delivery to a game, player or dealer hand “In Sequence” during the upcoming game round. A Graphic image of the 1^(st) Card 950 including card value and/or card rank, card suit and delivery sequence identified and generated by the system scanner (not shown) is illustrated as actually being delivered to one or more game hands during the play of the current game round. A graphic image of the 2^(nd) Card 951 including card value and/or card rank and card suit and delivery sequence identified and generated by the system scanner (not shown), is illustrated as actually being delivered to one or more game hands during the play of the current game round, when the player for the designated seat has qualified to participate in a WBACG for the current game round.

During the play of a WBACG game round when one or more card(s) 950 and/or 951 delivered to a game, player or dealer hand Match one or more cards 846 and/or 847 projected for delivery to a game hand, in “Any Sequence”, the CSIS 955 symbol(s) of the projected and delivered cards that Match are preferably illuminated a color Light Blue as is the background of the MCRI 949. Preferably, the payout line 962 indicates the cash value of the payout based upon the calculated odds of the play occurring based upon the cards that comprise the game deck prior to the commencement of the current game round. Alternatively the host casino, at it's discretion, may arbitrarily choose not to determine the value of cash pay outs based upon the calculated odds of the play occurring based upon the cards that comprise the game deck prior to the commencement of the current game round and designate the value of cash pay outs for winning secondary game hands. Alternatively, the host casino may choose to award pay outs other than cash to winning secondary card game players. All other elements are as previously described.

Referring now to FIG. 10, another display for a secondary game is illustrated. An example screen for a WBACG game round 1064 displays Color Coded Winning Card Combinations and Dollar Value of Gaming Chips 962 awarded to winning WBACG players. During the play of a WBACG game round 1064 when one or more card(s) 950 and/or 951 delivered to a game, player or dealer hand Match one or more cards 846 and/or 847 projected for delivery to a game hand, “In Sequence”, the CSIS 1055 symbol(s) of the projected and delivered cards that Match are preferably illuminated a color Royal Blue as is the background of the MCRI 949. All other elements are as previously described.

Referring now to FIG. 11, another display for a WBACG is illustrated. The 1^(st) Card 950 and the 2^(nd) card 951 are delivered in “Any Sequence” to the game table's seat's player hand and match the first card 846 and second card 847 projected by the system RNG for delivery to Seat 2 845 prior to the commencement of the game round. During the play of a WBACG game round when one or more card(s) 950 and/or 951 are delivered to a game, player or dealer hand Match one or more cards 846 and/or 847 projected for delivery to a game hand, in “Any Sequence”, the CSIS 955 symbol(s) of the projected and delivered cards that Match are preferably illuminated a color Light Blue, as is the background of the MCRI 949. All other elements are as previously described.

Referring now to FIG. 12, another display for a WBACG is illustrated. The first card received 950 and the second card received 951 are delivered “In Sequence” to a game hand and match the first card 846 and second card 847 projected by the system RNG for delivery to Seat 4 prior to the commencement of the game round. During the play of a WBACG game round when one or more card(s) 950 and/or 951 delivered to a game, player or dealer hand Match one or more cards 846 and/or 847 projected by the system RNG for delivery to a game hand during the upcoming game round, “In Sequence”, the CSIS 1055 symbol(s) of the projected and delivered cards that Match are preferably illuminated a color Royal Blue, as is the background of the MCRI 949. All other elements are as previously described.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a 1^(st) BBACG and a WBACG games are illustrated according to one embodiment of the present invention. Example Screen 1364 for a 1^(st) BBACG and WBACG games provides a name 1342 for 1^(st) BBACG and WBACG games played individually or simultaneously with the primary or base game. Color Coded Winning Card Combinations and Dollar Value of Slot Machine Credits 1361 awarded to winning 1^(st) BBACG players are depicted. Dollar Value of Gaming Chips 962 awarded to winning WBACG players is shown. Preferably, the payout line 1361 indicates the cash value of the slot machine credits pay out arbitrarily determined by the host casino at its sole discretion of the host casino. Alternatively, the host casino may choose to determine the value of slot machine credit pay outs based upon the calculated odds of the play occurring based upon the cards that comprise the game deck prior to the commencement of the current game round. The host casino may choose to award pay outs other than slot machine credits to winning 1^(st) BBACG players. Preferably, the payout line 962 indicates the cash value of the payout based upon the calculated odds of the play occurring based upon the cards that comprise the game deck prior to the commencement of the current game round. Alternatively, the host casino, at it's discretion, may arbitrarily choose not to determine the value of cash pay outs based upon the calculated odds of the play occurring based upon the cards that comprise the game deck prior to the commencement of the current game round and designate the value of cash pay outs for winning auxiliary game hands, and/or the host casino may choose to award pay outs other than cash to winning WBACG players. Color coded matched cards received indicator lights 1359 & 1360. Without limitation, at the discretion of the casino or game table operator, payouts for winning auxiliary game hands may be cash, food, beverage, lodging, prizes and/or anything of value. All other elements are as previously described.

Referring now to FIG. 14, 1^(st) BBACG and WBACG games are illustrated according to one embodiment of the present invention. When a game player is engaged in the play of a primary game at a game table offering a 1^(st) BBACG and a WBACG player may qualify to play one or both of the 1^(st) BBACG and WBACG game(s), simultaneously, with the primary game during the same game round. When a game player is playing at a game table and he/she has not qualified to participate in the upcoming 1^(st) BBACG round, the 1^(st) BBACG MCRI 1359 is illuminated a color preferably Red. If he/she has not qualified to participate in the upcoming WBACG round the WBACG MCRI 1360 is illuminated a color preferably Red. When a game player is playing at a game table and he/she has qualified to participate in the upcoming 1^(st) BBACG round the 1^(st) BBACG MCRI 1359 is illuminated a color preferably Orange. If he/she has qualified to participate in the upcoming WBACG round the WBACG MCRI 1360 is illuminated a color preferably Orange. When, during the play of a game round a player has qualified to participate in both the 1^(st) BBACG and WBACG rounds and the players game or player hand has received one or more cards 950 and/or 951 that match the cards 846 and/or 847 projected by the system RNG for delivery to a game, player or dealer hand in “Any Sequence” during the current game round, the 1^(st) BBACG MCRI 1359 is illuminated a color preferably Yellow. The WBACG MCRI 1360 is illuminated a color preferably Light Blue. When, during the play of a game round a player has qualified to participate in both the 1^(st) BBACG and WBACG rounds, and the players game or player hand has received one or more cards 950 and/or 951 that match the cards 846 and/or 847 projected by the system RNG for delivery to a game, player or dealer hand in “Any Sequence” during the current game round, the background of the CSIS 1445 is illuminated a color preferably Light Blue. The foreground of the CSIS 1445 is illuminated a color preferably Yellow indicating that the player has received winning cards for both the 1^(st) BBACG and WBACG for the current game round. All other elements are as previously described.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a bonus game is illustrated according to one embodiment of the present invention. When one (1) or more cards projected for delivery to a game, player or dealer hand during the current game round is actually delivered to a game, player or dealer hand in the sequence projected by the system RNG, “In Sequence”, the CSIS 1055 of the projected card(s) 846 and/or 847 will be illuminated a color preferably Royal Blue as will the CSIS 1055 of one (1) or more cards 950 and/or 951 actually delivered to the game player in sequence. Color Coded 1055 is Royal Blue. All other elements are as previously described.

Referring now to FIG. 16, another bonus game according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The first card received 950 and the second card received 951 match the 1^(st) Card projected 846 and the 2^(nd) Card projected 847 out of sequence. The CSIS 955 of the projected card(s) 846 and/or 847 will be illuminated a color preferably Light Blue as will the CSIS 955 of cards 950 and/or 951 actually delivered to the game player out of sequence. Color Coded 955 is Light Blue. The payout line 962 indicates the payout. All other elements are as previously described.

Referring now to FIG. 17, another bonus game according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The game player has qualified to participate in the 1^(st) BBACG and the WBACG for the current game round. The first card actually received 950 and the second card actually received 951 match the 1^(st) Card projected 846 and the 2^(nd) Card projected 847 for delivery to the game hand in sequence. The background of the CSIS 1755 is Royal Blue and the foreground of the CSIS 1755 is Green indicating that the player has received winning hands for both secondary card games “In Sequence”. The payout line 1361 indicates the 1^(st) BBACG payout, and the pay out line 962 indicates the WBACG payout. The Color Coded 1755 background is Royal Blue and the foreground is Green. All other elements are as described in preceding figures.

Referring now to FIG. 18, another bonus secondary game according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. An example name for a 2^(nd) BBACG is “BONUS BJ of THE HOUR” 1842 is displayed. To play a WBACG, a player is required to place a side bet in addition to the minimum bet required to participate in the Primary Game. To play a 1^(st) BBACG, a player is required to log into the game with a PTC card and place the minimum bet required to participate in the Primary Game. To engage in the play of a 2^(nd) BBACG “BONUS BJ of THE HOUR” game round, the only qualifying prerequisite would be to place the minimum bet required to participate in the play of the Primary Game. The casino may program the RNG to select the “BONUS BJ of THE HOUR”, or preferably, the casino may choose to designate the “BONUS BJ of THE HOUR” selection(s) and program the selection(s) into the system. An example Screen 1864 identifies a free “BONUS BJ of THE HOUR” game. Designated 1^(st) Card Selection for BJ of THE HOUR 1843 identifies a Jack of Hearts. Designated 2^(nd) Card Selection for “BONUS BJ of THE HOUR 1844 identifies an Ace of Diamonds. Winning 2^(nd) BBACG hands are automatically identified by the system. Awards paid to players having received a winning “BONUS BJ of THE HOUR” game hand are determined at the sole discretion of the casino operator. All other elements are as described in preceding figures.

Referring now to FIG. 19, another bonus secondary game according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. An example name for a 3^(rd) BBACG is “BONUS HAND of THE DAY” 1942. To play a WBACG, a player is required to place a side bet in addition to the minimum bet required to participate in the Primary Game. To play a 1^(st) BBACG the player is required to log into the game with a PTC card and place the minimum bet required to participate in the Primary Game. To engage in the play of a 2^(nd) BBACG “BONUS BJ of THE HOUR” game round the only qualifying prerequisite would be to place the minimum bet required to participate in the play of the Primary Game. To engage in the play of a 3^(rd) BBACG “BONUS HAND of THE DAY” game round, the only qualifying prerequisite would be to place the minimum bet required to participate in the play of the Primary Game. The casino may program the RNG to select the “BONUS HAND of THE DAY”, or preferably, the casino may choose to designate the “BONUS HAND of THE DAY” selection(s) and program the selection(s) into the system software. An example Screen 1964 identifies a free “BONUS HAND of THE DAY” game. Designated 1^(st) Card Selection for “BONUS HAND of THE DAY” 1943 identifies a king of hearts. Designated 2^(nd) Card Selection for “BONUS HAND of THE DAY” 1944 identifies a Queen of Hearts. Winning 3rd BBACG hands are automatically identified by system applications. Awards paid to players having received a winning “BONUS HAND of THE DAY” game hand are determined at the sole discretion of the casino operator. All other elements are as described in preceding figures.

Referring now to FIG. 20, a bonus game is illustrated according to one embodiment of the present invention. The player position at a card game table includes a segmented housing 230, dedicated to alerting secondary card game players to the progress and outcome of secondary game rounds played simultaneously with the primary game. The bonus game table is imprinted with a Primary Game Betting Box 116, a contact-less RFID PTC Reader 411 and is asserted with the table RFID Chip Reader 410 is concealed beneath the game table layout. Gaming chips 2080 embedded with an RFID Chip (not shown) are positioned over a RFID Chip Reader 410 concealed beneath the game table top layout. A housing 510 for the Virtual or Video Slot Machine and Monitor 511 displays an exemplary virtual or video slot machine screen including a touch screen keypad 2074 for playing the slot machine. The slot machine playable with slot credits earned from a BBACG is a tertiary game of one embodiment of the present invention.

Example configuration(s) is preferably for a virtual or video progressive slot machine monitor's screen display 511 whereas the progressive slot machine is coupled to the system of one embodiment of the current invention that creates and monitors the 1^(st) BBACG. The virtual or video progressive slot machines operating algorithm is identical to the algorithm of one or more virtual, video or real progressive slot machines connected to a network (LAN or WAN for example) and maintained by the casino or, preferably, a slot machine vendor owning, operating or hosting the network progressive jackpot slot machines. The virtual or video slot machine is, preferably embedded in the game table top (210 of FIG. 5). The screen includes a touch screen keyboard 2074 whereby a player, having accumulated game credits 2070 won playing the 1^(st) BBACG may touch the Play Credits Key 2079 to play the maximum number of game credits per play necessary to win the maximum jackpot available on the present virtual or video slot machine. The slot machine is coupled to the system of one embodiment of the present invention and/or one or more progressive slot machines coupled to a network monitored and maintained by the casino operator and/or monitored and maintained by a slot machine vendor who is paid a participation fee by the casino operator. Total Slot Machine Credits Available for Play 2070 is displayed.

Name of Featured Progressive Jackpot display 2071 may also appear. There are several slot machine vendors that install, maintain and monitor their own progressive slot machines in many casinos located in many remote locations whereas the progressive slot machines installed in one casino are coupled to other progressive slot machines located in other casinos, under the control of the vendor by means of a network. The machines are operated by the vendor in exchange for a participation fee from the each of the participating casinos. It would be to the advantage of the casino operator if the 1^(st) BBACG system could be programmed to work with any progressive jackpot network whereas the casino operator can negotiate the participation fees, etc. with the slot machine vendor in exchange for featuring the vendor's progressive slot machines as a component of the present invention. An example Slot Machine Symbol 2072 can be displayed.

An example Progressive Jackpot Pay Line 2073 is also displayable. Most, if not all slot machines offering a progressive jackpot provide the game player with the opportunity to play a minimum of one coin or a number of coins less than the maximum amount of coins that can be played on the subject machine. To win the progressive jackpot paying the largest payout that a player can win on the machine being played, the customer is required to wager the maximum amount of coins/slot credits necessary, (i.e., three (3) coins), for the current play of the progressive slot machine if he or she is to win, for example the Big Bucks Progressive Jackpot ($7,711,711.11), by lining up the four Progressive Jackpot symbols on the Progressive Jackpot Pay Line 2073. If the player plays, for example, two (2) coins and lines up the four Progressive Jackpot symbols on the Progressive Jackpot Pay Line 2073, the amount of the jackpot would be considerably less, (i.e., $3,000).

An example Touch Screen Keypad 2074 is provided for user manipulation and includes Up-Arrow, Down-Arrow, Menu Screen, Game Screen and Play Credits Keys. The keypad 2074 is found within the monitor 511 display. The Touch Screen Keypad 2074 is used by the game player to play the virtual or video progressive slot machine and to further navigate one or more screens that are related to the primary game the 1^(st) BBACG and/or one or more other Secondary Games displayed on the embedded slot machine's 510 monitor 511.

When displayed on the slot machine's monitor 511, the Up Arrow Key 2075 and the Down Arrow Key 2076 are used to navigate the Menu Screen 2077 and the Game Screen 2078. The Menu Screen Key 2077 is pressed to call the default Menu Screen (not shown) displaying all of the games currently available for play at the game table, (i.e., the Primary Game), the 1^(st) BBACG, other secondary card games and the tertiary game, (i.e., the progressive slot machine). The game information will include the game rules, payout schedules and any other information relative to the play of the card game(s) and the Virtual or Video Progressive Slot Machine. Information regarding the host casino and its associated hotel, restaurants, facilities, entertainment, special promotions, etc. is also accessible to the game player by navigating the Menu Screen by means of the Up-Arrow Key 2075 and Down-Arrow Key 2076.

At such time that a card game is in progress, at the option of the game player, the game player may press the Game Screen Key 2078 to call the default Game Screen for the current game(s) being played at the game table.

When the game player wins any 1^(st) BBACG slot machine credits, the virtual or video slot machine screen will be displayed as the default screen on the monitor. At the option of the game player, the player may choose to use those credits by touching the Play Credits Key 2079 to play the slot machine while continuing to play the primary card game, or the player may choose to not immediately play the recently won slot machine credits with a view toward accruing additional slot machine credits as he/she continues to play the Primary and 1^(st) BBACG, or the game player may choose to play any slot machine credits won at the game table, at one or more virtual, video or real slot machines associated with the 1^(st) BBACG hosted by the casino or game table operator at a location other than the present game table. The player will inform the game dealer of that decision, and the game dealer will subsequently, by means of keyboard 220 or keypad 221, cause printer 226 to print out a machine readable BBACG ticket. The ticket may list the amount of slot machine credits cashed out at the game table and other 1^(st) BBACG information which may include the name of the 1^(st) BBACG, the name of the player, date, time, game and game table number, seat number, and number and value of the slot machine credits won by the game player. The dealer or other casino personnel will present the BBACG ticket to the winning 1^(st) BBACG player who, at his/her convenience, may use the BBACG ticket to play the slot machine credits won at the card game table on one or more virtual, video or real slot machines associated with the 1^(st) BBACG, hosted by the casino or game table operator, by inserting the Bonus Based Auxiliary Game TITO Ticket into a compatible TITO ticket reader, (i.e., a Bill Acceptor), coupled to or housed by the selected slot machine. Gaming Chips for Primary Game Wager 2080 are illustrated and played during a wager. All other elements are as previously described.

Referring now to FIG. 21, a tertiary bonus based game is illustrated according to one embodiment of the present invention. The player position includes a Housing for Virtual or Video Slot Machine 510 and a Monitor 2169 displays an exemplary virtual or video slot machine screen and Keyboard Buttons 2181 embedded in the housing 510. Keyboard Buttons 2811 include Up-Arrow, Down-Arrow, Menu Screen, Game Screen buttons and a Play Credits button embedded within the slot machine housing 510 whereas the Keyboard Buttons are used by the game player to play the virtual or video progressive slot machine. The buttons may also be used to navigate one or more screens related BBACG and, without limitation, other secondary games according by one embodiment of the present invention can be displayed on the embedded slot machine's monitor 2169. Up Arrow Key 2182 and Down Arrow Key 2183 are used to navigate the Menu Screen (not shown) when displayed on the slot machine's monitor. An example configuration for a virtual or video progressive slot machine monitor's screen display whereas the progressive slot machine is coupled to the system of the current invention that creates and monitors the 1^(st) Bonus Based Auxiliary Game. The virtual or video progressive slot machine's operating algorithm is the same as the algorithm of one or more virtual, video or real progressive slot machines connected to a network maintained by the casino or a slot machine vendor, owning, operating or hosting the network progressive jackpot slot machines.

The Menu Screen Button 2184 is pressed to call the default Menu Screen (not shown) displaying all of the games currently available for play at the game table, (i.e., the Primary Game, the WBACG, the 1^(st) BBACG, other secondary card games and the tertiary game, (i.e., the progressive slot machine). The game information will include the game rules, payout schedules and any other information relative to the play of the card game(s) and the Virtual or Video Progressive Slot Machine. Information regarding the host casino and its associated hotel, restaurants, facilities, entertainment, special promotions, etc. is also accessible to the game player by navigating the Menu Screen by means of the Up-Arrow Button 2182 and Down-Arrow Button 2183.

At such time that a game is in progress, at the option of the game player, the game player may press the Game Screen Button 2185 to call the default game screen for the current game(s) being played at the game table. The Play Credits Button 2186 is pushed by the player to play any accumulated slot machine credits 2070 he/she has won playing the 1^(st) BBACG at the game table. A bonus game is not limited to the embodiments presented, for example, other games that a player may play include “Bonus and Random Match 21”. All other elements are as previously described.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the largest payout a player of a free 1^(st) BBACG can win is payable in four steps: 1) the secondary game player first qualifies to participate in the primary game; 2) the secondary game player further qualifies to participate in the 1^(st) BBACG; 3) the 1^(st) BBACG game player wins slot machine credits payable to the player at the game table by means of a bar coded ticket printed by a printer 226 that is coupled to an embodiment of the present invention. The TITO ticket cannot be cashed out by the winning player for cash or prizes at a slot or casino cage cashier or other designated stations but instead the player must play the maximum number of credits required to win the maximum progressive jackpot available at one or more of the host casinos, or a casino associated with the host casino, progressive jackpot machines fitted with a “Bill Acceptor” programmed to accept and read the winning 1^(st) BBACG ticket.

The winning player, in an effort to win the largest bonus jackpot available to winning 1^(st) BBACG TITO tickets holders, must use the winning ticket to play one or more designated slot machines located in the host casino or at a sister casino associated with the host casino. Each of the designated slot machines will be coupled to, or house a Bill Acceptor (currency reader), that will also be programmed to accept, read and identify the ticket as being a 1^(st) BBACG ticket.

During the play of the slot machine any slot machine credits won by the player will be accumulated and displayed on the slot machine. If the 1^(st) BBACG player decides to terminate his/her play of the slot machine and has unused credits, he/she will press the cash out button embedded in the housing of the slot machine and a printer, coupled to or housed by the slot machine will print and eject a ticket identifying the dollar value of the credits cashed out. The subject ticket will also carry a bar code identifying the ticket as a 1^(st) BBACG ticket which cannot be redeemed by the departing player at a slot or casino cage cashier or other designated station for cash or other things of value. The departing player may only use the ticket to play another designated slot machine at a later time or date.

Alternatively, at the option of the casino operator, any bonus based auxiliary slot machine credits won at the game table or at a designated slot machine may be cashed out at a slot or casino cage cashier for cash or other things of value or at one or more designated stations having a means to read the ticket. In the event the 1^(st) BBACG player playing a designated slot machine wins the largest jackpot available on the slot machine, he/she will be able to cash out and collect the full amount of the jackpot and any remaining slot machine credits.

An alternative embodiment provides that when the housing 510 houses a monitor 2169, the RNG card display for the 1^(ST) BBACG and the WBACG are preferably unique to each player. However, the RNG cards displayed can also be common to all game players playing at one table or to all players playing at an unlimited number of game tables coupled to the system by means of a network. Special bonus games like “BONUS BJ of THE HOUR” 1842 designated game cards 1843 and 1844 are preferably common to all BJ players playing at one or more game tables coupled to the system. Special bonus games like “BONUS HAND of THE DAY” 1942 designated game cards 1943 and 1944 are preferably common to all of the players seated at all game tables, BJ, Big-Baccarat, Mini-Baccarat and Poker tables, etc. coupled to the system as the “BONUS BJ of THE HOUR” and the “BONUS HAND of THE DAY” hands have nothing to do with the game being played or the composition of a depleted game deck's card inventory. Without limitation, the “BONUS BJ of THE HOUR” and the “BONUS HAND of THE DAY” hands could be determined by the system RNG, or they could be entered into the system by the host casino to accommodate specific days and/or occasions, i.e., the 10 of Diamonds and 7 of Diamonds on St. Patrick's Day, the King and Queen of Hearts on Valentine Day, Birthdays, Anniversaries, National Holidays and/or special events, etc. Further, the 2^(nd) BBACG and the 3^(rd) BBACG games can be initiated at all game tables at any time because; 1) they are periodic bonus games, and 2) the payout would not be relative to the composition of the deck at the time the game is initiated on one or more game tables.

When the housing 510 houses a virtual or video slot machine, the games offered can be identical. According to one embodiment, any Slot Machine Credits won by a 1^(st) BBACG player would have to be collected by means of the ticket. In yet another embodiment any Slot Machine Credits won by a 1^(st) BBACG player can be collected by playing slot machine credits won on the slot machine embedded in the game table top 510 which is in communication with the system and the network monitoring the Progressive Slot Machine Jackpot; and/or the 1^(st) BBACG player of the embedded slot machine is provided the option of collecting his/her slot machine credits by means of the unit.

One advantage of the embedded slot machine is that any slot machine credits payable to the game player that total less than the amount required (the maximum) to be played per spin etc. to win the maximum payout on a progressive slot machine can be accrued for play at a later time or on a different progressive slot machine. Further, by means of the “Bill Acceptor” 229 a game player may choose to purchase slot machine credits playable on the virtual or video slot machine of one embodiment of the present invention. There would be no restrictions on the amount of slot credits the player would be required to play on the slot machine and also there would be no restrictions relating to playing any credits purchased with cash, or won playing cash credits, that are cashed out at the virtual or video slot machine, on any slot machine operated by the host casino; and there would be no restrictions regarding cashing in cash credits for cash at any of the host casino's slot or cage cashier cages. All other elements are as previously described.

Auxiliary Game slot machine credits playable on the virtual or video slot machine screen will be displayed on the monitor. At the option of the game player, the player may choose to use those credits to play the slot machine while continuing to play the primary card game. Alternatively, the player may choose to not immediately play the recently won slot machine credits with a view toward accruing additional slot machine credits as he/she continues to play the 1^(st) BBACG. Alternatively, the game player may choose to play any slot machine credits won at the game table at one or more virtual, video or real slot machines associated with the 1^(st) BBACG and hosted by the casino or game table operator at a location other than the present game table. The player will inform the game dealer of that decision and the game dealer will subsequently, by means of the keyboard 220 or keypad 221, when playing Blackjack, or by means of keyboards 620, 620 a or 620 b, when playing Baccarat, cause the printer 226 or printers 626, 626 a or 626 b to print out a machine readable 1^(st) Bonus Based Auxiliary Game Ticket listing. The ticket may list the name of the 1^(st) Bonus Based Auxiliary Game, the name of the player, date, time, game and game table number, seat number, and number and value of the slot machine credits won by the game player. The dealer or other casino personnel will present the 1^(st) Bonus Based Auxiliary Game Ticket to the winning 1^(st) Bonus Based Auxiliary Game player who, at his/her convenience, may use the 1^(st) Bonus Based Auxiliary Game Ticket to play the subject credits on one or more virtual, video or real slot machines associated with the 1^(st) Bonus Based Auxiliary Game hosted by the casino or game table operator, by inserting the 1^(st) Bonus Based Auxiliary Game Ticket into a reader coupled to or housed by a selected slot machine programmed to accept and read the ticket.

Referring now to FIG. 22, one method for playing a secondary card game is illustrated according to one embodiment of the present invention. A player qualifies for a secondary game 2201 and/or 2203 and a primary game 2203. In a preferred embodiment, a player position qualifies for a primary card game by making a minimum bet and the same player position qualifies for a 1^(st) BBACG by logging into the game with a PTC. In a more preferred embodiment a player position qualifies for a 2^(nd) BBACG and/or a 3^(rd) BBACG by meeting a qualification selected by the casino such as a player having a birthday on the date of play or meeting a defined level of play for example. A player position may also qualify for a WBACG by making a side bet for a secondary game. A dealer activates a side bet sensor to record WBACG wagers for current game round. In a preferred embodiment, a side bet sensor detects when a bet is wagered and the amount of the wager and communicates the information to a processing unit and may also communicate the information to the dealer and to the table in general. For example the bet sensor may light up when a bet is wagered.

One or more virtual cards are identified and projected for delivery to a player qualified to play a primary card game and a secondary card game 2205 round. Actual cards are dealt to the primary card game hand 2207. The virtual cards projected to be dealt are compared to the actual cards delivered to the primary hand 2209. A winning secondary card game hand is authenticated by comparing the card value, suit and delivery sequence of at least one card recorded as delivered to the player's primary card game hand by the card scanner and communicated to the processing unit 2211. When the cards are authenticated a winning secondary game hand is identified 2213. A payout is calculated based upon the odds 2215. The winner receives a payout 2217 and a new game begins. In a preferred embodiment the authentication step is made automatically by the system. Once a winning hand is authenticated, the system identifies the winner for example via visual or audible signal such as a bet sensor changing colors. In a more preferred embodiment the payout calculation step is made automatically by the system and displayed and/or a predetermined payout is automatically displayed. The winning hands for WBACG and the BBACG are paid. A new game begins.

Referring now to FIG. 23, a system for playing a primary card game and a secondary card game is illustrated according to one embodiment of the present invention. Card game table 2307 and 2305 allow players who have qualified for a primary card game and or a secondary card game to receive cards scanned by a card scanner 2311. The card scanner 2311 is in communication with a processing unit 2309 and or 2303. The processing unit 2309 and or 2303 monitors the cards scanned and delivered to each game or player hand and the cards left in the deck.

A player may qualify for a primary game and or a secondary game by placing a bet for a primary game which preferably is recognized by an automatic bet recognition device 2323. Further, a player may qualify for a primary game and a secondary game by placing a bet for the primary game and an additional side bet for the secondary game that are preferably recognized by an automatic bet recognition device 2323. In addition a player may qualify for a secondary game by entering into the game with a PTC handed to the dealer or read by a PTC reader 2315. The player tracking card reader and the automatic bet recognition device are in communication with a processing unit 2309 and or 2303. A bill acceptor 2317 in communication with a processing unit 2309 and or 2303 is located at the table and will accept a player's currency which may be a bill or a TITO ticket for example. In exchange the player will receive gaming chips to bet on the primary game hand, the secondary game hand, the tertiary game or any combination thereof. The cards selected in the secondary game and the cards actually delivered in to a game or player hand will be displayed on a monitor 2313. If a player wins a primary game hand or a secondary game hand the processing unit 2309 and or 2303 will authenticate the win. An authenticated secondary game winner will receive a payout which may be chips or a TITO ticket identifying the payout, printed by a TITO ticket printer 2319 in communication with a processing unit 2303 and or 2309 depending on the restrictions of the casino.

If a player wins a BBACG for example the casino may restrict the payout to a TITO ticket playable only on a designated slot machine for example a slot machine located at the table 2321. Alternatively, the designated slot machine may be a progressive slot machine 2309 a, 2309 b, or 2309 c that is in communication with a processing unit 2309 and or 2303 via a network 2301 and may be remote from the primary card game table. The information communicated to a processing unit 2309 and or 2303 from a card scanner 2311, bill acceptor 2317 automatic bet recognition device 2323, player tracking card reader 2315, and or a slot machine 2321 may be stored in a database. The information sent to the processing unit 2309 and or 2303 may be stored on a computer readable medium. For example the player tracking card information, the wagers placed, the payouts made for a primary game and a secondary game and other. Bonuses awarded at a card game table using one embodiment of the system and method of the present invention allows the casino to track and account for all awards (bonus and wager based) that are issued by the card game table for internal purposes and marketing purposes. Using the stored information with one or more authentication programs, RNG programs, payout calculation programs and scanning programs, the system and method of one embodiment of the present invention provides improved CG&PRS.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments, various substitutions of materials and conditions can be made as will be known to those skilled in the art. Other variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are meant to be included herein. 

1. A gaming system for playing a game of chance having a primary card game and one or more secondary card games, said system comprising: a gaming table having a top displaying indicia for playing a primary card game; a processing unit responsive to software instructions, said software instructions being adapted to enable the processing unit to monitor the play of the primary card game and the play of a secondary card game; one or more cards to be dealt to a primary card game hand; a card scanner that reads the one or more cards dealt to a primary card game hand and communicates the information to the processing unit; a monitor for displaying information related to the game of chance and viewable by a player at the gaming table; and a printer in communication with the processing unit said printer configured to print a payout ticket.
 2. The gaming system of claim 1 further comprising an automatic bet recognition device for detecting a bet placed by the player when the player designates interest in playing the game of chance wherein the bet is communicated to the processing unit;
 3. The gaming system of claim 2 wherein the automatic bet recognition device includes a side bet location that contains a sensor for detecting when the player designates interest in playing the secondary card game by placing a side wager at the bet location.
 4. The gaming system of claim 2 wherein the automatic bet recognition device provides a signal to the dealer when a player makes a bet, said signal is communicated to the processing unit.
 5. The gaming system of claim 1 further comprising a player tracking card reader in communication with the processing unit.
 6. The gaming system of claim 1 further comprising a slot machine in communication with the processing unit for playing a tertiary game at the gaming table.
 7. The gaming system of claim 1 further comprising a bill acceptor in communication with the processing unit.
 8. The gaming system of claim 7 wherein the bill acceptor is configured to accept currency or gaming tickets issued at a slot machine or card game table operated by or associated with the host casino.
 9. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein the monitor is located at the gaming table.
 10. The gaming system of claim 1 further comprising a data input device in communication with the processing unit.
 11. The gaming system of claim 10 wherein the data input device is a keyboard.
 12. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein the software instructions are further adapted to enable the processing unit to randomly select one or more virtual cards for play in the secondary card game.
 13. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein the card scanner is in communication with a card dealing shoe.
 14. A method of playing a game of chance comprising the steps of: qualifying a player for a primary card game by placing a bet; qualifying the player for a bonus based auxiliary card game at the discretion of the casino; selecting one or more cards projected to be dealt to a primary card game hand wherein the one or more cards projected to be dealt is the bonus based auxiliary card game hand; scanning one or more cards dealt to the primary card game hand; comparing the one or more cards dealt to the primary card game hand with the bonus based auxiliary card game hand; and identifying a winner of the bonus based auxiliary card game hand when the cards dealt to the primary card game hand match those in the bonus based auxiliary card game hand.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein the step of card selection is made by a random number generator that generates a virtual card from the inventory of cards in a game deck or at the discretion of the casino from the inventory of cards in a game deck.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the inventory of cards in the game deck is a complete deck or a depleted deck.
 17. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of calculating a payout for each winner.
 18. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of awarding a payout to the winner.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein the payout is a TITO ticket.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the TITO ticket is redeemable for cash, slot machine credits, prizes or anything of value designated by the host casino.
 21. The method of claim 20 wherein the slot machine credits are restricted to play on designated machine.
 22. A method of playing a game of chance, the method comprising the steps of: qualifying a player for a primary card game by placing a first bet; qualifying the player for a wager based auxiliary card game by placing a second bet; projecting one or more cards selected by a RNG algorithm from the inventory of cards available to be dealt to a primary card game hand wherein the one or more cards projected to be dealt is the wager based auxiliary card game hand; scanning one or more cards dealt to the hand in the primary card game; comparing the one or more cards dealt to the primary card game hand with the wager based auxiliary card game hand; and identifying a winner of the wager based auxiliary card game when the one or more cards dealt to the primary card game hand match those in the wager based auxiliary card game hand.
 23. The method of claim 22 wherein the step of qualifying for a wager based auxiliary card game includes placing a bet at a side bet location to designate interest in playing the wager based auxiliary card game.
 24. The method of claim 22 further comprising the step of calculating a payout for the winner of the wager based auxiliary card game.
 25. The method of claim 22 further comprising the step of printing a payout ticket for a winner of a primary card game and or a wager based auxiliary card game.
 26. The method of claim 25 wherein the payout ticket is redeemable for slot machine credits, cash, prizes or anything of value designated by the host casino.
 27. A gaming system for playing a game of chance, the system comprising: a gaming table having a top displaying indicia for playing a primary card game; a processing unit responsive to software instructions, said software instructions being adapted to enable a random selection of one or more cards projected to be dealt to a primary card game hand; a card scanner that reads the one or more cards dealt to the primary card game hand and communicates the information to the processing unit; an automatic bet recognition device for detecting a bet placed by a player when the player designates interest in playing the game of chance wherein the bet is communicated to the processing unit; a monitor for displaying information related to the play of the secondary card game, said monitor viewable from the gaming table and in communication with the processing unit; a player tracking card reader in communication with the processing unit; a bill acceptor in communication with the processing unit; and a printer configured to print a payout ticket said printer in communication with the processing unit.
 28. A method of playing a game of chance at a card game table, the method comprising the steps of: qualifying a player for a primary card game by placing a first bet at a first automatic bet recognition device; qualifying the player for a first bonus based auxiliary card game when a player tracking card reader validates a player tracking card of the player; selecting one or more cards projected to be dealt to a primary card game hand as the bonus based auxiliary card game hand; displaying the bonus based auxiliary card game hand to a monitor viewable by the player; scanning one or more cards dealt to the primary card game hand by a scanner; comparing the one or more cards dealt to the primary card game hand with the bonus based auxiliary card game hand to identify a winner when the cards are the same; awarding a predetermined payout to the winner.
 29. The method of claim 28 wherein the payout is a TITO ticket for slot machine credits.
 30. The method of claim 28 further comprising qualifying the player for a second bonus based auxiliary card game when a predetermined criteria set by the casino is meet by the player.
 31. The method of claim 28 further comprising exchanging currency for chips using a bill acceptor at the card game table.
 32. The method of claim 28 further comprising exchanging chips for a TITO ticket the card game table.
 33. A method of playing a game of chance at a card game table, the method comprising the steps of: qualifying a player for a primary card game by placing a first bet at a first automatic bet recognition device; qualifying the player for a wager based auxiliary card game by placing a second bet at a second automatic bet recognition device; selecting one or more cards with a RNG from the inventory of cards available to be dealt to a primary card game hand wherein the one or more cards selected to be dealt is the wager based auxiliary card game hand; displaying to a monitor viewable by the player the wager based auxiliary card game hand; scanning one or more cards dealt to the primary card game hand by a scanner; comparing the one or more cards dealt to the primary card game hand with the wager based auxiliary card game hand to identify a winner of the wager based auxiliary card game when the cards are the same; and awarding a payout to the winner.
 34. A computer readable medium storing executable software code thereon, the executable software code including: code to qualify a player for a primary card game after the player places a first bet at a first automatic bet recognition device, code to qualify the player for a wager based auxiliary card game after the player places a second bet at a second automatic bet recognition device, code to select one or more cards with a RNG algorithm as the wager based auxiliary card game hand, code to compare the one or more cards dealt to the primary card game hand with the wager based auxiliary card game hand to identify a winner and code to award a calculated payout to the winner of the second bet.
 35. A computer readable medium storing executable software code thereon, the executable software code including: code to qualify a player for a primary card game by placing a first bet at a first automatic bet recognition device, code to qualify the player for a first bonus based auxiliary card game when a player tracking card reader validates a player tracking card of the player, code to select one or more cards projected to be dealt to a primary card game hand as the bonus based auxiliary card game hand, code to scan one or more cards dealt to the primary card game hand by a scanner, code to compare the one or more cards dealt to the primary card game hand with the bonus based auxiliary card game hand to identify a winner when the cards are the same, code to award a predetermined payout to the winner. 